Video: @carlespuigdemont / IG
Juridical Developments Pave Way for Return
The Constitutional Court has notified the Supreme Court of its ruling to amnesty the crime of embezzlement against several 'procés' leaders, including former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, according to court sources. This decision, based on the report by Constitutional Court president Cándido Conde-Pumpido, annuls previous rulings that denied amnesty and requires the Supreme Court to reissue a decision in line with the new doctrine. The ruling specifically applies to former minister Dolors Bassa, but also affects others convicted or prosecuted for the same charge, including Oriol Junqueras, Raül Romeva and Jordi Turull. As Puigdemont was prosecuted but not judged due to his exile, his case falls under the same scope.
Supreme Court Awaits Final Decision
Judge Pablo Llarena, who lifted Puigdemont’s arrest warrant following the Constitutional Court’s decision, is expected to propose the shelving of the case between Friday and Tuesday next week. The Supreme Court’s Criminal Chamber has opened a five-day period for the Prosecutor’s Office and defence teams to submit allegations before the final ruling. According to Supreme Court sources, if the amnesty is upheld for Turull and Bassa, it will extend to Puigdemont provided the Constitutional Court’s doctrine is transferable to the rest of the appellants.
Return to Be Decided by Puigdemont
Gonzalo Boye, Puigdemont’s lawyer, stated clearly on Catalunya Ràdio that the former president “will not return in the middle of the election campaign, which is what the PSOE would want”. He added: “I understand so” when asked if the return would happen after the November 29 elections, stressing that “the return will be decided by the president”. Boye confirmed that Puigdemont has “a very clear idea” of his return plan, which he will announce once the judicial process concludes. This aligns with Puigdemont’s earlier statement that his return should be a decision “of the country and not of a party”.
He will not return in the middle of the campaign.
, Gonzalo Boye, Puigdemont's lawyer Laura Borràs, former president of Parliament and of Junts, echoed this view, stating that Puigdemont “left as president of the Generalitat, has been acting as president of the Generalitat in exile and, therefore, he will not confuse these nine years with an electoral contest.”
Primary sources: revistes.eapc.gencat.cat, govern.cat. Reported by en.ara.cat, Alexis Sánchez of, democrata.es, Carlota Pastor of, Martí Odriozola i Marcé, elespanol.com, elpais.com, Barna.News, RTVE Noticias, Diari ARA.
