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News > World

Puigdemont Labeled Flight Risk by German Authorities

  • Puigdemont is also accused of misuse of public funds.

    Puigdemont is also accused of misuse of public funds. | Photo: EFE

Published 27 March 2018
Opinion

Germany’s criminal code includes an offence comparable to rebellion.

Former Catalonia President Carles Puigdemont will remain in custody in Germany while the courts decide whether to extradite him to Spain.

RELATED: 
Police Injure Dozens
in Catalan Protests

A Neumuenster court stated that all formal requirements to arrest Puigdemont had been met by the European arrest warrant issued in Spain. As a result, the embattled former Catalan president was declined bail and labeled a flight risk.

German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said in Berlin that “Spain is a democratic state of law. The German government remains convinced that this Catalonia conflict must be resolved within the Spanish legal and constitutional order.”

The offence detailed in the international arrest warrant must be equivalent to a criminal offence in the country where the suspect was detained. Germany’s criminal code includes an offense comparable to rebellion, one of the charges being faced by Puigdemont.

Additionally, the deposed Catalan leader is accused of misuse of public funds for organizing an unauthorized referendum in Catalonia, last year. The declaration of independence resulted in a takeover of the regional government by Spanish authorities.

Puigdemont will remain in German custody while the court reviews the extradition request. State prosecutor, Georg Guentge, described Puigdemont as being “calm and composed” during Monday's court appearance. The prosecutor added that Puigdemont is free to challenge the legality of the extradition request, during the formal proceedings, in nearby Schleswig.

Justice Ministry spokeswoman, Stephanie Krueger, said European rules stipulate that a final decision regarding the extradition of Puigdemont must be made within 60 days of his arrest.

On Sunday, thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Barcelona following reports of the detainment of the ex-leader. Several clashes between law enforcement officials and protesters resulted in multiple injuries being sustained by both Catalans and security forces.

More than 100 people were hurt and nine people were arrested during the melee, according to the authorities.

The Spanish Government confirmed that Puigdemont was held at a highway rest stop south of the German-Danish border. The former leader was being driven from Finland to Belgium.

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