Spain charges pro-independence Catalan leaders with rebellion, sedition and misuse of funds
Spain’s chief prosecutor José Manuel Maza announces start of legal action against Catalan leaders who declared the region’s secession from Spain last week.
Spain’s chief prosecutor José Manuel Maza (pictured above) on Monday announced the start of legal action against Catalan leaders who declared the region’s independence from Spain, El Pais reported. The charges include rebellion, sedition and provocation, he was quoted as saying by the BBC.
The Catalan leaders may also face charges of misuse of funds, reported The Guardian. Under Spanish law, the British newspaper added, such requests first go to a judge for consideration. Maza asked the judge to call the pro-independence leaders to testify.
A total of 20 people have been officially accused by Maza’s office. This includes the 14 members of the Catalan government headed by former regional President Carles Puigdemont, and six members of the speaker’s committee, including the speaker Carme Forcadell.
Puigdemont, his deputy and the ministers sacked by the Spanish government will face legal action in the High Court. Politicians who facilitated the declaration of independence, but still remain in office, will face action in the Supreme Court, El Pais reported.