Spain pardons nine Catalan separatists who were jailed over 2017 independence vote
- The referendum was marred by police violence and led to a short-lived declaration of independence, sparking Spain’s worst political crisis in decades
- Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been accused of playing politics as his minority government relies in part on Catalan separatists for support in the national parliament
“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.
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.