A Radical Decision
A new chapter begins in Catalonia as a new wave of independence activists take the radical decision to go abroad amid a terrorism investigation led by the National Court. This decision resonates strongly with public opinion, as prominent personalities such as ERC deputy Ruben Wagensberg, Òmnium activist Oleguer Serra, journalist Jesús Rodríguez and businessman Josep Campmajó have chosen to settle in Switzerland, a choice that may be surprising, but which demonstrates the seriousness of the situation.
A Massive Escape
This new trend indicates a massive flight to foreign countries, driven by the fear of being prosecuted and convicted for acts of alleged terrorism related to the Democratic Tsunami movement and the demonstrations against the 1-O sentence. Although there are no arrest warrants for the exiles, the uncertainty about the legal future of these individuals keeps all possible investigations in abeyance.
An Unstable Situation
Benet Salellas, lawyer for Serra, Campmajó and Soler, has expressed concern about the current situation, highlighting a certain lack of control in certain sectors of the Spanish judiciary. This, he says, opens the door to arbitrary interpretations of the law motivated by political reasons. This climate of uncertainty causes many to choose exile as a way to protect themselves from the possibility of unfair legal proceedings.
Citations and Pressures
Currently, even though there are no arrest warrants, those under investigation are being summoned to testify. The pressure is increasing, with the demand from the National Court that those under investigation provide their addresses of residence quickly. The situation of MEPs and MEPs, such as Puigdemont and Wagensberg, is in the hands of the Supreme Court, generating additional tension in this environment already fraught with anxiety.
International Complaint
Beyond the threat of prison, Salellas highlights the importance of exile as a way to internationally denounce Spain’s alleged tactics to silence political dissent. This decision, then, is not only intended to protect individuals from unfair trials, but also to expose dubious judicial practices to the international community. ‘We will use all the institutional channels to show how Spain violates the fundamental rights of European citizens’, says the lawyer.
