Barcelona Court Grants Amnesty to Business Leaders and Puigdemont Administration Officials
The Barcelona Court has granted amnesty to nearly 40 businessmen and former high-ranking officials from Carles Puigdemont's government who faced prosecution for their roles in the 1-O referendum preparations. This includes the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Raül Romeva, who was under investigation for promoting Catalonia's independence internationally.
In a significant ruling accessed by EFE, the 21st section of the Barcelona Court decided to grant amnesty to all individuals involved as per the request of the Prosecutor's Office. Consequently, the court has revoked the earlier resolution of the investigating judge, who was preparing to take these individuals to trial for their involvement in planning the unilateral referendum held on October 1, 2017.
This development comes amid an ongoing conversation regarding the future of former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont, who remains outside Spain while awaiting a judicial resolution concerning his own case.
Oriol Junqueras, the former deputy leader of the government and president of the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), has been one of the first to respond publicly to the group amnesty for the businessmen and officials. He stated that justice is being served after eight years of suffering and persecution that began in 2017. Junqueras expressed gratitude for the resilience and endurance exhibited by those affected, highlighting the emotional, familial, and economic toll they have endured over the years. He pledged his ongoing support, underscoring a commitment to stand by those who have faced these challenges.
As the political climate in Catalonia continues to evolve, the court's decision to grant amnesty signals a potentially transformative moment for Catalan politics and raises critical questions about reconciliation and justice in the aftermath of the independence movement.
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