Judge Plinia Azzena had stressed that the arrest was legal on the basis of a European arrest warrant issued by Spain, reported the ANSA news agency. The public prosecutor sees no need for detention.
Therefore, the judge did not order prison or house arrest. It still has to be clarified whether Puigdemont can be transferred to Spain. Until then, he is not allowed to leave the Mediterranean island. Spain has already failed several times in other EU countries with attempts to transfer the separatist politician.
He fled to Brussels after his dismissal as a result of the illegal independence referendum in October 2017. Puigdemont is accused of rebellion by Spain because of the illegal vote.
Puigdemont’s lawyer Gonzalo Boye reported that his client was doing well and had confidence in the independence of the Italian judiciary. On Friday, Sardinian separatists gathered in front of the Palace of Justice in Sassari to demonstrate against Puigdemont’s arrest. “Freedom for Catalonia’s political prisoners” read a banner.
Hundreds of protesters also gathered in front of the Italian consulate in Barcelona. As reported by the Spanish media, they waved the Catalan flag and demanded the release of the separatist who actually lived in Belgium.
