![]() ![]() “There’s no alternative to dialogue in accordance with the law between the representatives of public authorities … There needs to be democratic resolve to respect judicial decisions so that we can open a new chapter of coexistence.” She said the acting government had tools at it disposal to deal with disobedience and unrest– including article 155 of the constitution, which the previous government used to assume direct control of Catalonia two years ago – but that it would prefer a return to the negotiating table.Ĭelaá told the Guardian that she hoped moderation would prevail: “There are some groups who won’t listen to a rational message at the moment, but daydreaming won’t lead us anywhere except to a place it’ll be harder to return from. ![]() Spain’s education minister, Isabel Celaá, who also acts as the government’s spokeswoman, called for calm and renewed dialogue– but stressed that the court’s decision had to be respected. Torra also called for meetings with the central government, adding: “We have always been prepared to talk and discuss this political conflict, which, now more than ever, requires a political solution.” “Repression will never triumph over dialogue, democracy and self-determination,” he said. The Catalan president, Quim Torra, urged an amnesty for those convicted but said the sentences would not deflect his administration from pressing on with its quest for independence. Photograph: Jordi Boixareu/ZUMA Wire/Rex/Shutterstock Thousands fill Barcelona’s streets in protest over prison terms for Catalan separatist leaders on Monday. Opponents of Spain’s acting prime minister, the socialist leader Pedro Sánchez, would accused him of bowing before the separatists were his government to even consider a pardon. However, such a move would have profound political consequences. The Spanish government has the power to issue pardons if they are requested and if the person convicted shows repentance for their crime. Those convicted can complain to Spain’s constitutional court and then put their case before the European court of human rights in Strasbourg. Oriol Junqueras, who received the longest sentence – 13 years – would have to wait about 15 months before applying. That means that Jordi Sànchez and Jordi Cuixart – who have now served two years in pre-trial detention – could apply to be allowed out on licence as soon as they have served a quarter of their sentences, which would be in January next year. However, the supreme court turned down prosecutors’ request for such an order in the Catalan case. Josep María Tamarit, a professor of criminal law at the Open University of Catalonia, said that in cases where a sentence of five years or more was handed out, a court could stipulate “that half the sentence has to be served before prisoners are eligible for semi-liberty”. Sánchez said the Catalan independence movement had tried to subvert the Spanish constitution and had created a fracture within Catalan society “by refusing to recognise the majority who oppose independence”.ĭespite the long sentences handed down by the supreme court on 14 October, some of the nine leaders convicted of sedition and misuse of public funds could soon be eligible to apply for “semi-liberty”, allowing them out of prison on a regular basis. “In a democracy like Spain, nobody is subject to trial for his or her ideas or politics but rather for criminal conduct as provided by the law.” ![]() Spain’s acting prime minister, the socialist leader Pedro Sánchez, said his government respected the supreme court’s decision, which he said met all the requirements of due process, transparency and separation of powers. “Let’s express ourselves without fear and move forward, non-violently, towards freedom,” he tweeted. Sànchez, a regional MP and former president of the influential grassroots Catalan National Assembly, said his nine-year sentence would not dent his optimism nor his belief in an independent Catalonia. “Thanks to everyone, keep fighting because we will keep fighting for ever.” “We’ll return stronger and with even more belief than ever,” he tweeted. Junqueras urged supporters not to give up on Catalan independence.
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