Rubya Tripty
In respond to Spanish government’s decision to take control over Catalonia, sacked Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has issued a defiant video, calling for “democratic opposition’ to build a ‘free country’. “We must do so resisting repression and threats, without ever abandoning, at any time, civic and peaceful conduct,” he said. Spanish government has responded by calling on him to take part in next election so that he can exercise ‘Democratic Opposition’. Government spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo said, “I‘m quite sure that if Puigdemont takes part in these elections, he can exercise this democratic opposition.”The ousted leader could face imminent arrest and 30 years in jail if he continues to defy Madrid by standing by the ‘Declaration of Independence’. Some sources of Spain’s prosecutor said they would soon demand that he be in custody as soon he is arrested. Charges of rebellion and misuse of public fund for holding an illegal referendum is being prepared against him, said sources. Already, the security details of the sacked Catalan leader and some other former members have been scaled down. Some of ministers will have security measures completely removed soon and Puigdemont will have a few numbers of security guards from now on responsible for his safety.
Sources: BBC, The Guardian, The Telegraph, Al Jazeera