The charges brought against Carles Puigdemont are related to the referendum on Catalan independence in 2017. However, Puigdemont is still facing numerous other legal cases.
The Spanish Supreme Court rejected the Catalan separatist leader on Tuesday Carles Puigdemont terrorism charges.
The charges are related to Puigdemont’s one-sided referendum on Catalan independence in 2017. After the failed project, Puigdemont moved abroad. In 2019, mass protests broke out with the convictions of 13 separatists. In February 2024, terrorism charges were brought against Puigdemont, as he was suspected of orchestrating the protests.
The Supreme Court says in its press release that it has closed the criminal investigation due to a procedural error. The judge who investigated the case did not get an extension by the time limit for the investigation. You can appeal the decision.
In May, the Spanish parliament approved a controversial amnesty law for Catalan separatists, with which Puigdemont has hoped to be able to return to Spain without facing trial.
Since leaving Spain, Puigdemont has faced several charges, including sedition and misappropriation of public funds.
The sedition charge has been dropped. However, the Supreme Court said last week that the amnesty law does not apply to charges of misuse of public funds. Puigdemont is also accused of gross treason, which the amnesty law also does not protect against.
Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez agreed to run amnesty in exchange for Catalan separatist support for the new government.
After the law took effect on May 30, judges were given two months to quash charges and arrest warrants against the separatists. The law applies to approximately 400 people.
However, courts must apply the law on a case-by-case basis, making it a lengthy process. Several judges have also openly opposed the law.
The enactment of the amnesty law sparked months of right-wing protests, and it also caused rifts even within Sanchez’s Socialist Party.
If Puigdemont doesn’t get the protection against prosecution that he sought with the amnesty law, the position of the prime minister may become even more difficult from the Catalan parties.
Source: AFP