Spanish Court Ruling Clears Path For Separatist Leader Return

Spain's Constitutional Court ruled that an amnesty law covers embezzlement, clearing exiled leader Carles Puigdemont to return.

Spain's Constitutional Court has ruled that an amnesty law applies to embezzlement cases involving Catalan separatists. The decision removes a major legal barrier for self-exiled former president Carles Puigdemont as he prepares to return. The development comes nearly a decade after a failed regional independence push.

• The Constitutional Court issued its binding ruling on a Tuesday in Barcelona.
• Carles Puigdemont has remained in self-exile for nine years following the failed 2017 independence referendum.
• The legal clearance arrives as Spain prepares to hold an early general election.

Written from 2 of 3 outlets — 1 has since joined this story.

By the numbers

Timeline

1. Oct 5Expectations rose regarding the constitutional court removing obstacles for the former Catalan president's return.
2. Oct 6The Constitutional Court ruled that the amnesty law must apply to Catalan separatists in embezzlement cases.

In this story

Covered by 3 outlets

• EuronewsAfter summarySpanish judge lifts arrest warrant for former Catalan leader Puigdemont, opening door to his return22m ago · open ↗
• The Straits TimesCourt ruling clears key hurdle for separatist leader Puigdemont's return to Spain1h ago · open ↗
• The GuardianExiled separatist leader is likely to return to a very different Catalonia1d ago · open ↗

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