Judge Baltasar Garzon is known for bringing cases against former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet and al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

A Supreme Court investigating magistrate ordered Garzon this week to face trial but did not set a date. Garzon already had requested a leave of absence from his post at Spain's National Court to work temporarily at the International Criminal Court at The Hague, Netherlands.

The General Council of Judicial Power decided to suspend Garzon after deliberations Friday, CNN affiliate CNN+ reported.

Garzon has been on the bench for 22 years as an investigating magistrate at the National Court. He attended an event Thursday with supporters in Madrid, some of whom wore masks of Garzon's face to show their solidarity with him.

"I am facing this calmly, knowing that I am innocent," Garzon told reporters at the event. And since I respect the law, I will accept the decision and continue with my defense so that the true situation is absolutely clear."

The Supreme Court is investigating Garzon in three separate cases, but the current one is the first to make it to trial.