Catalan Separatist Carles Puigdemont Evades Arrest Upon Return to Spain
Carles Puigdemont, the Catalan separatist leader, returned to Spain on Thursday after nearly seven years evading justice, bringing to light serious questions regarding law enforcement's response to his return. Despite having an active arrest warrant for embezzlement related to the illegal referendum held on October 1, 2017, Puigdemont was not detained upon his arrival in Barcelona. The absence of an arrest sparked immediate scrutiny and demands for investigations into the operation's execution by the Mossos d'Esquadra and the National Police Corps.
This controversial situation unfolded during Puigdemont’s speech at the Arc de Triomf in Barcelona, where he addressed a crowd of supporters. Police sources suspect that there was no real intention to arrest him, as the public nature of his appearance was widely broadcasted on television. Inma Viudes, a representative for the Mossos d'Esquadra, stated that arresting Puigdemont at the event could have escalated into a significant public order problem due to the large number of supporters gathered around him.
Viudes remarked, "With more than 2,000 people around, arresting Puigdemont would have caused a public order problem, and we must avoid that at all costs. We were looking for the right moment to arrest him, a moment that never came." After his speech, Puigdemont managed to slip away from the scene without being apprehended, which has led to unrest within police ranks and calls from unions for accountability.
Jacobo Rodríguez of the Unified Police Union expressed his bewilderment over the police's failure to act, emphasizing, "The police are obliged to follow judicial orders before political directives. Arrest should have been the priority of the Catalan police." The Spanish government's decision to delegate Puigdemont’s arrest to the regional police has raised concerns about their effectiveness, especially given the ties that some police officers may have with the pro-independence movement.
Additionally, there are accusations that some members of the police force may have aided Puigdemont in evading arrest. Reports indicate that at least one officer has already been detained in connection with these claims, and further arrests are anticipated. This has intensified calls from within the police and the public for a thorough investigation into how Puigdemont managed to evade the authorities once again.
Puigdemont's entourage, however, has denied any collusion with the Mossos, asserting that attempts were made to arrest him, including surveillance measures on roads and use of drones. His lawyer insists that his return was legitimate, emphasizing that Puigdemont simply sought to participate in the investiture session of Salvador Illa as an elected deputy.
On Thursday, at 8:58 AM, Puigdemont exited a vehicle surrounded by supporters, making his way to the stage. Although multiple agents were present, they monitored the situation as he delivered his remarks. Following the speech, he failed to head towards the parliament, causing law enforcement to lose track of him. The Mossos have launched 'Operation Cage' to intercept Puigdemont, but so far the operation has proven futile, leading to frustration among the police and public inconveniences.
The pressing questions that remain are how Puigdemont eluded capture, and whether there was a failure in law enforcement protocol. With the narrative comparing this incident to Puigdemont's previous escape in 2017 after declaring Catalonia's independence, there is a sense of déjà vu in the air. Law enforcement agents have speculated that Puigdemont may have evaded arrest by hiding in the trunk of a vehicle, as indicated by photographs of a car stopped by the Mossos with strange arrangements seen inside. However, until he is located, speculations will continue to abound, and the implications of his return—and successful avoidance of arrest—remain profound for the relationship between Catalonia and the Spanish central government.
As calls for accountability grow louder, the public and political pressure will undoubtedly intensify on both the regional and national authorities to clarify how such a significant oversight occurred. This affair highlights ongoing tensions in Spain regarding the Catalan independence movement and raises concerns about the rule of law in a democratic society.
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