Catalonia news puigdemont

Here are some recent news articles and updates related to Catalonia and Carles Puigdemont:

Latest News:

• On February 12, 2021, Carles Puigdemont, the former President of Catalonia, was arrested in Sardinia, Italy, on a European arrest warrant issued by Spain. He was accused of rebellion and sedition for his role in the 2017 Catalan independence referendum. (Source: BBC News)
• On February 15, 2021, Puigdemont's lawyer announced that he would appeal the arrest and extradition to Spain. (Source: El País)
• On February 18, 2021, the Italian authorities decided to release Puigdemont from custody, citing a lack of evidence to justify his detention. (Source: The Guardian)

Background:

• Carles Puigdemont was the President of Catalonia from 2016 to 2017, when he declared independence from Spain. He was subsequently ousted and replaced by Quim Torra.
• In 2019, Puigdemont was elected as the leader of the Together for Catalonia (JxCat) party, which is a key player in the Catalan independence movement.
• In 2020, Puigdemont was accused of rebellion and sedition by the Spanish authorities, and a European arrest warrant was issued for his arrest.

Recent Developments:

• In January 2021, Puigdemont announced that he would run for president of the Catalan government in the upcoming regional elections, which were held on February 14, 2021.
• On February 14, 2021, the pro-independence coalition led by Puigdemont's JxCat party won the most seats in the Catalan parliament, but fell short of a majority.
• On February 17, 2021, Puigdemont was arrested in Sardinia, Italy, on a European arrest warrant issued by Spain.

Reactions:

• The Spanish government welcomed Puigdemont's arrest, saying it was a "victory for the rule of law".
• The Catalan government and the pro-independence movement condemned the arrest, calling it a "politically motivated" attack on democracy.
• The European Union and other international organizations have called for calm and respect for the rule of law in the region.