Spain Pardons Jailed Catalan Separatists
Umer Jamshaid Published June 22, 2021 | 06:20 PM
Barcelona, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Jun, 2021 ) :Spain on Tuesday pardoned nine jailed Catalan separatists behind a failed 2017 independence bid in a bid to break the deadlock over the political crisis in this wealthy northeastern region.
"The pardons for those convicted were approved" during the morning cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's office tweeted, confirming the decision to grant clemency to nine separatist leaders who were serving long prison sentences.
Although the date of their release remains unclear, the judicial authorities will work rapidly to complete administrative steps, meaning it could happen very quickly, press reports said.
The separatists were convicted over a banned referendum in October 2017 that was marred by police violence and followed by a short-lived declaration of independence, sparking Spain's worst political crisis in decades.
Several fled abroad but 12 others were tried and convicted, with three-quarters of them handed prison terms of nine to 13 years.
Sanchez has said his government hopes the pardons will pave the way towards "reconciliation" but the decision to extend clemency has been attacked by Spain's right-wing opposition as well as by the separatists.
Many in the pro-independence camp have dismissed the pardons as a political stunt, demanding a full amnesty that would allow those who fled abroad to return home.
Analysts have warned it is a risky political gamble which may help calm tensions but won't solve the years-long crisis over the separatist crisis, which has left Catalonia sharply divided.
- A divisive measure - When the separatists were sentenced in October 2019 by Spain's Supreme Court, the ruling triggered an outcry across Catalonia, with thousands hitting the streets in protests that sometimes turned violent.
"I am convinced that releasing from jail these nine people, who represent thousands of Catalans, will be a resounding message of a desire for harmony and coexistence," Sanchez said on Monday.
Although 53 percent of Spaniards oppose the pardons, more than two-thirds -- 68 percent -- of Catalans are in favour, an Ipsos poll found.
The Supreme Court has also opposed the pardons, as have Spain's right-wing opposition parties who accuse Sanchez of playing politics as his minority government relies in part on Catalan separatists for support in the national parliament.
It remains to be seen though if the pardons will drive forward dialogue between Madrid and the Catalan regional government, headed by Pere Aragones, a recently elected moderate separatist from the leftist ERC party.
In the coming weeks, Sanchez will meet for the first time with Aragones, who is far more open to negotiating than his hardline predecessor, Quim Torra.
Even so, the independence movement is unlikely to give up on its desire for an amnesty and to hold a referendum on self-determination -- this time with Madrid's approval.
Both options have been firmly ruled out by Sanchez's government.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Tennis: ATP Barcelona Open results - 1st update
Swiatek's perfect 10 in Stuttgart as Vondrousova stuns Sabalenka
Arandu's roads closed due to flooding
Oil tanker catches fire in Islamabad’s Blue Area
Pakistan committed to ensure safety of foreign nationals: FO
Tennis: WTA Stuttgart results - 1st update
Four passengers injured as train hit an empty vehicle
Over- speeding bus crushed to death two bike riders
Turkey's Freedom Flotilla ready to set sail for Gaza
French teen dies from heart failure after knife attack near school
Iranians appear unfazed by Isfahan blasts
UAF celebrates Int'l Chinese Language Day
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
15 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
5 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
5 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
8 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
11 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
12 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
13 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
13 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
13 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
15 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
15 days ago