After the former leader of the Catalan separatists, Carles Puigdemont, appeared in Barcelona after seven years, gave a speech and disappeared into the crowd, complete chaos arose in Catalonia.
Namely, after Puigdemont appeared on the territory of Catalonia, that is, Spain, the court activated a warrant for his arrest.
In the meantime, he gave a speech and disappeared from the stage with his associates. Although he was expected to attend the session of the Catalan parliament where the new president is elected, Puigdemont was not seen in the hall, and the autonomous police of Catalonia Mossos d’Esquadra activated the “Cage” police operation and activated the tracking devices to locate Puigdemont.
“Catalan police planned to arrest Puigdemont before the plenary session. Puigdemont’s alleged new escape caused astonishment in the police force itself. The police suspect that he is traveling in a white car and believe that he is being followed by Jordi Turull, his former colleague in the separatist movement,” writes El Pais.
The former Catalan leader appeared in Barcelona seven years after fleeing, and was greeted by 2,500 people at the entrance of the Parliament of Catalonia.
“For seven years they persecuted us because we wanted to listen to the voice of the people of Catalonia. Many years ago, this very harsh repression began. They created an atmosphere that being Catalan is a dubious thing. We are still here,” Puigdemont said.
In his speech, Puigdemont sent a message to all Catalans.
“I don’t know when we will see each other again. When we do, we can all shout together the words with which I will end my speech: ‘Visca Catalunya livre’,” said Puigdemont, which translates to “Long live free Catalonia.”
