Puigdemont: The Arrest of Catalan Officials is a Serious Mistake

Carles Puigdemont, the ousted leader of Catalonia, described the arrest of several members of the dissolved Catalan government on Thursday, November 2, as a "serious" mistake. A judge in Spain issued arrest warrants for nine separatist officials from Catalonia on Thursday. According to reports, eight former officials of the local Catalan government have been arrested. The judge ordered that these individuals remain in temporary detention as there is a risk they might flee the country if released on bail. According to the Associated Press, Carles Puigdemont, hours after the arrests, called on the people of Catalonia during a television program to peacefully protest against the central government of Spain. Carles Puigdemont is in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, with several local officials from Catalonia to garner support from EU members. Meanwhile, the Spanish prosecutor's office has requested an international arrest warrant for Carles Puigdemont. The Attorney General of Spain on Monday, October 30, accused Mr. Puigdemont of rebellion and separatism for holding a referendum on Catalonia's independence, which he claimed was unconstitutional. The Associated Press reports that a large crowd has gathered in Barcelona around government institutions, including the court and parliament, in front of the central government forces of Spain. Mariano Rajoy, the Prime Minister of Spain, dissolved the separatist Catalan government on Friday, October 27, and called for early elections on December 21. The parliament of the region has also been dissolved. On Monday, October 30, the Spanish government took control of the Catalonia region. This occurred while civil servants disregarded calls from civil groups for disobedience and reported to work. In this context, the possibility of an arrest warrant for the ousted president of the Catalonia region is being discussed. The ousted president of the Catalonia government will not return to Spain for court appearances. The central government of Spain has taken control of the Catalonia region. Hundreds of thousands protested in Barcelona in support of Spanish unity. The Prime Minister of Spain dissolved the Catalonia government and called for elections in December.