Catalan independence carles puigdemont belgium lawyer says
You're referring to the ongoing situation with Catalan independence and the legal proceedings involving Carles Puigdemont, the former President of Catalonia.
To recap, Carles Puigdemont was arrested in Germany in March 2018 on an international warrant issued by Spain, accused of rebellion, sedition, and embezzlement for his role in the Catalan independence movement. He was later released on bail and has been living in Belgium, where he has been seeking political asylum.
In recent weeks, Puigdemont's lawyer, Paul Bekaert, has been making headlines with his statements on the case. Here are some key points:
- Asylum request: Bekaert has been arguing that Puigdemont's asylum request in Belgium should be granted, citing political persecution and the lack of a fair trial in Spain.
- Extradition: The Belgian authorities have been considering Spain's extradition request, but Bekaert has been pushing back, arguing that the charges against Puigdemont are politically motivated and that he would not receive a fair trial in Spain.
- New charges: In June, Spain's Supreme Court added new charges against Puigdemont, including misuse of public funds and disobedience. Bekaert has described these charges as "absurd" and "politically motivated".
- European Court of Justice: Bekaert has also taken the case to the European Court of Justice (ECJ), arguing that the European Arrest Warrant (EAW) used to arrest Puigdemont was invalid. The ECJ is expected to rule on the matter in the coming months.
The situation remains complex and contentious, with both sides dug in. The Spanish government has been pushing for Puigdemont's extradition and trial, while the Catalan independence movement and many international observers have been calling for his release and protection.
What would you like to know more about? The legal aspects of the case, the political implications, or something else?