Junqueras has also alluded on more than one occasion to his decision to remain in Catalonia while his former boss fled into self-imposed exile in Belgium. A staunch and longstanding independence campaigner, Puigdemont served as Catalan president from January 2016 to October 2017, when he was sacked by the Spanish government for his independence bid. The official figures says that roughly 2.3 million voted and 2.0 million people voted in favour of independence. Since entering prison, he has taken a more considered approach to the path towards independence than the former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, mirroring the growing divisions between the two main pro-independence Catalan parties. Three Catalan pro-independence parties won 47.7% of the vote and 70 seats in the 135-seat regional parliament at the election in December 2017. As supreme court hands down verdicts in trial of 12 separatist leaders, we look at some of the main players, First published on Sun 10 Feb 2019 15.21 GMT. Spain’s supreme court has announced its verdict in the trial of 12 Catalan separatist leaders over their alleged roles in the region’s failed attempt for independence … He is currently attempting to lead a government in exile – or “council of the republic” – from his new home in the Belgian municipality of Waterloo. That figure compares with their present majority of 70 seats, won with 47.5% support at the December 2017 Catalan election, following the country’s “illegal” October 1, 2017, independence … Thousands of protesters descended on the streets of Catalonia late Friday after Spain's supreme court detained five separatist leaders for their role in last year's independence bid. Find the perfect Reaction To Imprisonment Of Key Figures In Catalan Independence Movement stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. A who's who of the leading figures in the Catalan independence process trial: the defendants, the defence and prosecution lawyers and the judges. History, both real and imagined, shapes and drives the recent independence movements in Catalonia and Scotland. The court also issued international arrest warrants for six other Catalan figures who have fled abroad, including former regional president Carles Puigdemont. Pep Guardiola has visited jailed Catalan pro-independence leaders in the latest show of support for their controversial cause from the Manchester City manager. Guardiola, who hails from the Catalan town of Santpedor, has long been a vocal backer of the region’s independence from Spain, including speaking at mass rallies on the issue. A Catalan independence protest in 2012. User account menu. “Socrates, Seneca and Cicero had the opportunity to flee but didn’t take it. According to the government of Catalonia, 90% of voters opted for independence from a turnout of 42%. He faces immediate arrest on charges of sedition, rebellion and misuse of public funds should he return to Spain. ", "An independent Catalonia: practicalities of leaving Spain", "Independent Catalonia would need to apply to join EU: Juncker", "Analysis | Catalonia's independence vote: What you need to know", "Catalonia's independence referendum: What to know", "Why does Catalonia want independence from Spain? He studied Catalan philology at university before becoming a journalist on the Girona-based daily El Punt and helping to launch Catalonia Today, an English-language paper. With the declaration of a state of emergency, the Spanish prime minister has taken control of … Notably absent from the trial was Puigdemont, the architect of the region’s failed independence bid. People waving Catalan flags during a pro-independence demonstration in Barcelona on Catalonia’s national day on 11 September 2018. Spain’s supreme court has announced its verdict in the trial of 12 Catalan separatist leaders over their alleged roles in the region’s failed attempt for independence two years ago. A Spanish judge dropped an international arrest warrant issued for Puigdemont, 56, after a German court said it would only extradite him over alleged misuse of public funds rather than the more serious charge of rebellion. “I stayed in Catalonia because of the sense of responsibility I feel towards my fellow citizens,” he said in a recent interview with Le Figaro. Friday, 14 May 2021. “Post-Franco” Spain clamping down on “democratic Catalonia” Madrid’s conservative government is … Arrested in October 2017 as part of an investigation into alleged sedition in the run-up to the independence referendum a fortnight earlier, they are the Catalan leaders who spent the most time in pre-trial detention. You have to start building again from there and learning from the mistakes that have been made.”. Amnesty International has described the charges against them as unjustified. Posted by just now. He had been in pre-trial custody since November 2017. 23:11 Updated Tuesday, 10 … legals, "Catalonia Spain: Separatists set to boost majority in regional parliament", "November 2019 Spanish general election results", "Joan Laporta i Estruch (2003-2010) | FCBarcelona.cat", "Alfons López Tena: 'Espanya era el país del meu pare, però no és el meu, "El Cercle d'Estudis Sobiranistes presenta el manifest fundacional per la independència", "El Cercle d'Estudis Sobiranistes esdevé la fundació de Solidaritat", Joan Massagué o Xavier Estivill, entre los 13 científicos que firman un manifiesto de apoyo a Junts pel Sí, http://www.elmundo.es/cataluna/2015/09/22/5601340146163f72078b4578.html, "Give Catalonia its freedom to vote - by Pep Guardiola, Josep Carreras and other leading Catalans", "Lluis Llach: "El camino español está vallado"... menos para su fundación", "El "sí" y el "no" a la independencia de los famosos", "El Tenor José Carreras ante una cámara: ' Visca Catalunya Lliure' | Intereconomía | 376462", "Carreras, emocionado con la independencia: "Yo no la veré... mis nietos, quizás sí, "Teresa Forcades: "En Catalunya ya no es ridículo decir independencia, se ve posible, "Nació Digital: Miquel Calçada: "La dignitat de Catalunya només té un nom: independència, "Joel Joan: "España ya no nos da miedo, ya no esperamos los tanques, "El actor Joel Joan, directo a la independencia de Cataluña: 'España ya no nos da miedo, "Xavi: "Lo que está sucediendo en Cataluña es una vergüenza, "Beth, de dar la cara por España en Eurovisión a musa 'indepe' en la Diada", "L'última batalla dels catalanistes del PSC - Crònica.cat - La informació imprescindible", "El PSC renuncia en su programa electoral al derecho a decidir", "Adiós definitivo a Unió, la última víctima de la maldición de Mas", "Manifestación Barcelona: 1.000.000 personas según la delegación del Gobierno", "Más de un millón de personas colapsan Barcelona contra el independentismo", "Barcelona vive la manifestación más multitudinaria de su historia en un 12-O", "65.000 manifestantes en el 12-O de Barcelona, según la Guardia Urbana, trece veces más que el año anterior", "The Latest: 65,000 recorded at Spanish loyalist rally", "Catalonia: Madrid warns of Puigdemont jailing as thousands rally for unity", "Protesters stage big anti-independence rally in Catalonia", "Pro-unity Catalans parody secessionists", "Protesters mock Catalan independence bid with secession call of their own", "Spanish unionist rally mocks Catalan separatist movement", "La plataforma por Tabarnia exhibe músculo y se manifiesta en Barcelona", Independenciómetro: famosos a favor o en contra del 'procés' catalán, Quiénes son los grandes empresarios catalanes a favor y en contra de la independencia, Rouco Varela y Albert Boadella, unidos contra la independencia, "Famosos a favor y en contra de la independencia", Jordi Évole: "Yo no quiero la independencia de Cataluña", Serrat: "A Catalunya no le conviene la independencia de España", "Famosos catalanes que defienden a España... o apoyan la independencia", Loquillo: "La independencia de Cataluña es una cortina de humo", Así desmonta Javier Cárdenas al separatismo, "Why the referendum on Catalan independence is illegal", "Catalonia's quarrel with Spain explained", "Analysis | What South Sudan can teach Catalonia about creating a new country", "Reality Check: Would Catalonia be a viable country? [9] [11] Clashes erupted into open violence, as protesters reacted violently at police efforts to end the demonstration, with some demonstrators reportedly throwing rocks and using fire extinguishers against police officers. New Catalan government Over 100 international figures back "will for independence" of Catalan majority Marc González Barcelona. The former Catalan vice-president Oriol Junqueras. A place to stay updated and discuss Catalan independence. Spain can avoid a vote for independence by effectively ‘buying‐out’ a proportion of the Catalan electorate with a funding agreement favourable to Catalonia. Guardiola has been actively involved in the political campaign for pro-Catalan independence and had words of support for Sanchez and Cuixart, leaders of the Catalan … According to the December survey of Catalonia’s official Centre for Opinion Studies, pro-independence parties would win up to 50.9% of the vote and 77-seats in the country’s 135-seat parliament. Support for Catalan independence has more than doubled since 2005, thanks to a series of events that began with the frustration of Catalonia's attempts to substantially strengthen its autonomy, having to accept instead a watered-down version of its new Statute that even then was challenged in Spain's Constitutional court. He fled Catalonia for Belgium days after the unilateral declaration of independence. Support for independence in Catalonia continues to fall, while the distance between those in favor and those against secession from Spain is growing. Support for Catalan independence has been increasing for reasons pertaining to identity and economics. Press J to jump to the feed. I find that civic and ethical responsibility very impressive.”. Already, leading Catalan independence figures have been arrested and charged with sedition. Photo: Wikicommons. 19:39 Reading time: 3 minutes Thus, the figures in Table 1 demonstrate the l imits of the top-down . They argued that the independence movement is "neither inclusive n… of using huge demonstrations to try to stop Spanish police officers from following a judge’s orders to halt the referendum, currently attempting to lead a government in exile, a German court said it would only extradite him. Twelve Catalan leaders arrested after the plebiscite are standing trial for sedition and remain in prison. The Spanish Supreme Court on Wednesday closed the trial of 12 leaders of the Catalan independence movement accused of staging a rebellion during their botched 2017 secession attempt. “You need to have the courage to speak clearly if you’re going to move ahead,” he told Catalan TV last September. Opponents of Catalan independence have accused the movement of racism or elitism, and argue that the majority of the Catalan public does not support independence. Available via license: CC BY. 19:39 Updated Friday, 14 May 2021. Tuesday, 10 September 2019. Sànchez, 54, and Cuixart, 43, were accused of using huge demonstrations to try to stop Spanish police officers from following a judge’s orders to halt the referendum, which had already been suspended by the country’s constitutional court. The Catalan Government, led by the pro-independence Quim Torra called for both the amnesty of the convicted leaders and a renewed attempt to realize Catalan independence. That’s … In the interview, Puigdemont said he planned to make the case to MEPs that a vote against lifting immunity would defend the independence and integrity of the Parliament, protect “dissidents” — a label he readily claims for himself — and safeguard the democratic representation of more than 1 million Catalan voters who elected him, Comín and Ponsatí to serve in Brussels. But the independence movement is pressing ahead — first with today’s general strike, the largest in the region’s history, and shortly, many anticipate, with a declaration of sovereignty by the Catalan parliament. In addition to Junqueras, eight more figures – including former members of the Catalan cabinet, the ex-speaker of the Catalan parliament, and two leaders of separatist grassroots groups – … Over 100 international figures back "will for independence" of Catalan majority. Sànchez, a regional MP and former president of the influential grassroots Catalan National Assembly (ANC), and Cuixart, the leader of the Òmnium Cultural civil society group, were found guilty of sedition and given nine-year sentences on Monday. Here are some of the key figures in the push for independence: The former Catalan vice-president and leader of the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) party was convicted of sedition and misuse of public funds on Monday and sentenced to 13 years in prison. Independence process International figures discuss the situation in Catalonia Carlota Camps Photo: Sira Esclasans Barcelona. August 7, 2017 — Links International Journal of Socialist Renewal — Born in the rural Seu d’Urgell in 1982, People’s Unity List (CUP) joint national spokesperson Quim Arrufat became a well-known and respected figure in Catalan politics during his time as one of the CUP’s … Figure 10: Demonstrations organized by SCC between 2014 and 2018 p. 40 Figure 11: Òmnium’s budget 2010-2017 and participation in demonstrations in Catalonia p. 42 Figure 12: Òmnium’s budget 2010-2017 compared to support for Catalan independence p. 43 Junqueras, 49, was a history professor before going into politics and eventually rising to the top of the ERC in 2011. Those figures aside, it is pro-independence groups and political parties who have been able to put millions of people on the streets in support of their cause. The Catalan independence referendum of 2017, also known by the numeronym 1-O (for "1 October") in Spanish media, was an independence referendum held on 1 October 2017 in the Spanish autonomous community of Catalonia, passed by the Parliament of Catalonia as the Law on the Referendum on Self-determination of Catalonia and called by the Generalitat de Catalunya. Close. He was also banned from holding public office for 13 years. Barcelona (AFP) - Thousands of protesters descended on the streets of Catalonia late Friday after Spain's supreme court detained five separatist leaders for their role in last year's independence bid. ICV was integrated into, En Comú Podem (853,102) in favor of a referendum, ERC (1,020,392), JxCAT (500,787), Front Republicà (113,807), En Comú Podem (615,665) in favor of a referendum, ERC (869.934), JxCat (527,375), CUP (244,754), En Comú Podem (546,733) in favor of a referendum, This page was last edited on 2 May 2021, at 01:19. In an op-ed for the Guardian Aurora Nacarino-Brabo and Jorge San Miguel Lobeto, two political scientists affiliated with the anti-independence Ciutadans Spanish nationalist party, disputed the claim that Catalonia has been oppressed or excluded from Spanish politics. HUMAN rights group Amnesty International has repeated its call for Catalan independence figures Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart to be pardoned and released from prison. ", "Fake Country Carved From Catalonia Means to Mock Separatism", "A split within a split - the Catalan valley sticking with Spain", "Catalan nationalism isn't the progressive cause you might think", "Felipe González: "Hi ha supremacisme en l'independentisme català, "Arrimadas defends "civil patriotism" and differentiates it from Catalan, Basque and Le Penna "nationalism, "Unabhängigkeit für eine bessere Zukunft", "Diccionari de l'extrema dreta a Catalunya, de la A a la Z", "Unitat de l'extrema dreta a la manifestació de SCC", "La reaparició de l'extrema dreta durant les manifestacions contra la independència", "How the Catalan crisis helps Spain's far right", "Spain's far-right gains visibility in Catalonia crisis", "Catalonia braced for fresh unrest after terrorism raids on separatists", "Detenidos siete radicales en Cataluña acusados de preparar atentados "terroristas" inminentes", "Sabotajes, explosivos y el asalto al Parlament: los planes de los CDR que investiga el juez", "Tres dels CDR acusats de terrorisme surten de la presó", "Catalonia Votes", website on self-determination referendum, Party Urging More Autonomy From Spain Seems to Win in Catalonia, Voters in Catalonia Approve A Plan for Greater Autonomy, Spain Moves On Law to Give Broad Powers To Catalonia, White Paper on the National Transition of Catalonia, Initiation of the Process of Independence, Law on the Referendum on Self-determination, Committees for the Defense of the Republic, Republican Left of Catalonia–Catalonia Yes, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Catalan_independence_movement&oldid=1020951855, Articles containing Catalan-language text, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles with Catalan-language sources (ca), Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, CiU (935,756) and ICV (316,222) were pro-sovereignty, they supported the term nation for Catalonia in the Statute, CiU (1,116,259), ICV (359,705) and PSC (524,707), CiU was dissolved before the regional ones of 2015, leaving CDC and UDC. The latest figures from the Centre d’Estudis d’Opinió — founded by the Catalan government — put independence supporters at 44.3 percent and those against splitting from Spain 48.5 percent. Vote. Select from premium Reaction To Imprisonment Of Key Figures In Catalan Independence Movement of the highest quality. The War of the Spanish Succession (1702-14) , when the Castilians (greater Spain) defeated the Catalans, and the Act of Union in 1707 , when Scotland merged with England, serve as emotionally-charged reference points for separatists today. “You have to admit where we are and where we’d like to be. Guardiola has been actively involved in the political campaign for pro-Catalan independence and had words of support for Sanchez and Cuixart, leaders of the Catalan … “Although calling protests to obstruct legitimate police operations can – if proof is produced of their commission – constitute a public order offence, it does not constitute a serious crime such as sedition or rebellion,” Gauri van Gulik, Amnesty’s Europe director, said in February last year. Hot Nationalism, Dual Identities and Catalan Independence (2008–2019).pdf. Vote. 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