Spain levels rebellion charges against Catalan separatist leaders

[muriel_volestrangler]

Spain's Supreme Court has charged 13 leaders of the Catalan separatist movement with rebellion — a crime punishable by up to 30 years in jail — for their roles in last year's referendum and independence declaration.

In a decision released this morning, Judge Pablo Llarena said the politicians and public figures had, "colluded" for more than six years to plan an "attack on the constitutional State that, with the will to impose a change in the form of government for Catalonia and the rest of the country, encompasses an unusual gravity and persistence."

The ruling, which brings an end to a four-month judicial investigation, names Carles Puigdemont, Catalonia's deposed president, as well as the man who is trying to take his place, Jordi Turull.

Turull, Pugidemont's former chief of staff, narrowly lost a parliamentary ballot Thursday that would have made him Catalan's new president. Another vote is scheduled for tomorrow. The region has been under Madrid's direct rule since Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dissolved the separatist government and ordered new elections last October.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational/national-today-newsletter-catalan-court-france-hostages-1.4589747

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. Carles Puigdemont, former Catalan president, detained in Germany

Catalonia's ex-leader Carles Puigdemont has been detained by German police acting on a European arrest warrant.

Mr Puigdemont, who is wanted in Spain for sedition and rebellion, was held crossing from Denmark on the way to Belgium, his lawyer said.

Mr Puigdemont will appear before a German judge on Monday.
...
He evaded Finnish authorities by slipping out of the country on Friday before they could arrest him.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43532217

I really don't like the idea of their actions being called 'sedition' or 'rebellion', and holding such high potential penalties; and of other European countries cooperating in their arrest for them.