- The search for Puigdemont in Barcelona
Spanish police launches operation "Cage" to arrest Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont in Barcelona. Roadblocks were set up on major exit roads from the Mediterranean metropolis, with police checking every vehicle leaving the city, as seen on state TV RTVE. In some cases, trunk spaces were inspected, and motorcyclists were asked to remove their helmets. A white car was reported to be the target, with "El País" newspaper describing surreal scenes.
Puigdemont appeared in Barcelona's center this morning after nearly seven years in exile, accompanied by leading politicians from his Junts party. He walked through the streets unmolested, greeting supporters on both sides. Despite an outstanding arrest warrant, police did not intervene. Puigdemont had fled Spain secretly in a car after an illegal independence referendum in 2017 and the subsequent failed secession attempt.
Puigdemont addresses supporters
Later, Puigdemont gave a brief speech to thousands of supporters near the regional parliament, where Socialist Salvador Illa was to be sworn in as Catalonia's new president. "I've come here today to remind you that we are still here, because we have no right to give up," he said, referring to his fight for Catalan independence from Spain.
"We have no interest in living in a country where amnesty laws do not grant amnesty," Puigdemont added, referring to the justice system's refusal to apply the approved amnesty to him.
Meanwhile, the parliamentary session to elect Illa began. Illa would be the first regional leader in years to advocate for Catalonia's continued integration with Spain. Puigdemont had announced his intention to attend the session, but instead of heading to the parliament after his speech, he disappeared into the crowd. Police had reportedly focused on preventing Puigdemont from entering the parliament, even checking tunnels under the parliamentary building.
Speculation about Puigdemont's whereabouts
Puigdemont was not seen on TV footage after his speech, leaving Spanish media to speculate about his whereabouts. Leading members of his party calmly walked towards the parliament, but Puigdemont was already gone. Despite an amnesty law for separatists, Puigdemont faces arrest due to the controversial interpretation of the law by the justice system.
The amnesty law excludes cases of personal enrichment from pardon. Although Puigdemont is not accused of pocketing public funds, investigating judge Pablo Llarena accuses him of personal enrichment. Llarena argues that using public funds to achieve illegal political goals, such as the 2017 independence referendum, is equivalent to personal enrichment.
His party emerged as the strongest force from the early elections in May, but it needs the support of the left-wing separatist party ERC, secured through concessions on financial issues and the promotion of the Catalan language. If a new government is not formed by August 25th, new elections will have to be held. In his inaugural speech at parliament, he promised to strengthen Catalonia and advocated for the full application of amnesty for separatists.
Puigdemont's fight for amnesty is not only about his personal situation but also a larger argument for justice and fairness within the Spanish legal system. Despite his party's victory in the elections, the pending arrest warrant and controversial interpretation of the amnesty law continue to pose challenges for him and the Catalan independence movement.
