Mossos d'Esquadra Acknowledge Operational Errors in Puigdemont Arrest Attempt
The Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force, have submitted a report to Supreme Court magistrate Pablo Llarena acknowledging mistakes made during the operation aimed at detaining former President of the Generalitat, Carles Puigdemont. This report, which was requested by the judge, reflects a degree of self-criticism and sheds light on the missteps that occurred during the police action undertaken in Barcelona on August 8, designed to comply with an arrest order against Puigdemont.
According to information gathered by Europa Press, the report highlights that the former Catalan president was not detected at any time due to control operations carried out by the National Police and the Civil Guard at the border with France. Despite the presence of these forces and their offer to assist the Mossos in locating Puigdemont following his flight, the regional police did not request this support, ultimately hindering the operation's effectiveness.
Moreover, it has come to light that the drone deployed to track Puigdemont during his escape failed to capture any pertinent information. Instead, the aerial surveillance inadvertently monitored authorities heading to the Parliament rather than the targeted former president. This lapse raises questions about the operational preparedness of the Mossos during a critical moment in the political landscape of Catalonia.
Adding to the complexity of the operation, the report reveals that the President of the Parliament, Josep Rull, had earlier denied access to any Mossos for inspections the day before the investiture. This restriction was fueled by growing suspicions that Puigdemont may have entered the Parliament prior to the investiture debate, which could have altered the dynamics of the political proceedings.
The acknowledgment of these errors by the Mossos d'Esquadra serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in politically charged situations and raises broader questions about the coordination between various police bodies involved in enforcing legal directives. As investigations continue and the implications of the failed arrest unfold, insights from this report may shape future operational strategies and inter-agency collaboration within Spain's complex political framework.
Related Sources: