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Catalan Leader Leaves for Belgium Amid Rebellion Charges

Barcelona (October 31, 2017): Spanish media reported that Puigdemont and several members of his sacked government had left the country and were now in the Belgian capital, Brussels.

Spain’s state prosecutor is seeking charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds against Catalan leaders involved in the region’s disputed independence bid that has thrown the country into political turmoil.

The prosecutor, Jose Manuel Maza, said a range of senior Catalan figures, including deposed President Carles Puigdemont and all members of his former cabinet, would face court after the Catalan parliament voted to issue a unilateral declaration of independence last week.

The leaders could face lengthy jail terms if charged and convicted. Rebellion, sedition and misuse of funds carry maximum terms of 30, 15 and six years, respectively.

Belgium’s migration minister Theo Francken told reporters this week that his country would be legally required to consider Puigdemont’s request for political asylum if he made one.

Puigdemont did not attend a meeting of his Catalan European Democratic Party (PDeCAT) in Barcelona on Monday morning, nor was he seen at the Catalan government’s headquarters.

It was unclear what Puigdemont’s next moves would be. Taking control of Catalonia on Friday, Madrid dismissed the regional government, dissolved parliament and called new elections for December 21.

Puigdemont’s party, as well as the pro-independence Republican Left, have both said they will take part in the election. Before charges were filed against, him the Spanish government said Puigdemont would be eligible to stand.

Speaking at the weekend from his hometown of Girona, Puigdemont said that he still intended to build an independent country. He called on Catalans to opposed Madrid’s rule in a democratic, peaceful fashion.

Before the prosecutor’s announcement, Puigdemont posted a photograph on social media Monday that had been taken from inside the Catalan government’s building with the caption, “Good morning” in Catalan and a smiley face. The photo had been clearly taken on a previous day and there was no sign that had entered the building on Monday, causing confusion over his whereabouts.

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