Latest news about catalonia independence
Here are some of the latest news and updates about the Catalonia independence movement:
Recent Developments:
- Spanish Supreme Court sentences nine Catalan separatist leaders to prison: On October 14, 2020, the Spanish Supreme Court sentenced nine Catalan separatist leaders to prison for their roles in the 2017 independence referendum. The sentences ranged from 9 to 13 years in prison.
- Catalan parliament approves new independence declaration: On October 16, 2020, the Catalan parliament approved a new declaration of independence, which was met with widespread international condemnation.
- Spanish government rejects Catalan independence declaration: On October 17, 2020, the Spanish government rejected the Catalan parliament's declaration of independence, calling it "unconstitutional" and "illegitimate".
- Catalan president Quim Torra resigns: On May 28, 2021, Catalan president Quim Torra resigned after being stripped of his immunity by the Spanish parliament.
Current Situation:
- Catalan independence movement remains active: Despite the recent setbacks, the Catalan independence movement remains active and continues to push for independence from Spain.
- Pro-independence protests continue: Pro-independence protests and demonstrations continue to take place in Catalonia, with many calling for the release of imprisoned separatist leaders and for independence.
- Spanish government maintains tough stance: The Spanish government has maintained a tough stance on Catalan independence, refusing to engage in talks with separatist leaders and instead focusing on maintaining the unity of Spain.
International Reaction:
- European Union maintains neutrality: The European Union has maintained a neutral stance on the Catalan independence issue, refusing to recognize Catalonia as an independent state.
- International community expresses concerns: Many international organizations and governments have expressed concerns about the situation in Catalonia, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations.
- Some countries support Catalan independence: A few countries, such as the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, have expressed support for Catalan independence, although this is not an official government position.
Key Players:
- Quim Torra: The former president of Catalonia, who resigned in May 2021.
- Carles Puigdemont: The former president of Catalonia, who fled to Belgium in 2017 to avoid arrest and has been living in exile.
- Jordi Sànchez: A prominent Catalan separatist leader who was arrested in 2018 and is currently in prison.
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez: The current prime minister of Spain, who has maintained a tough stance on Catalan independence.
Timeline:
- 2017: Catalonia holds an independence referendum, which is declared illegal by the Spanish government.
- 2017: The Spanish government imposes direct rule on Catalonia, dissolving the regional government and arresting several separatist leaders.
- 2018: The Catalan parliament declares independence, which is met with widespread international condemnation.
- 2020: The Spanish Supreme Court sentences nine Catalan separatist leaders to prison.
- 2021: Catalan president Quim Torra resigns.
Please note that the situation in Catalonia is complex and constantly evolving, and this summary is intended to provide a general overview of the latest developments.