The interlocutory of the magistrate Joaquín Aguirre
Magistrate Joaquín Aguirre’s interlocutory order to keep alive the investigation of an alleged Russian plot to help Catalan independence, broadcast this Friday, has generated great interest. The arguments presented in this interlocutory are more typical of a political analyst than of an instructing judge. In addition, new people have been cited as investigated, among them the renowned journalist Carles Porta. This quote is based on the conversations that Porta had with Víctor Terradellas, former head of external relations at Convergència. Terradellas is the first person investigated in the Diputació case and whose motive derives from the Volhov case due to his relationships with Russian citizens.
The accusations against Carles Porta
According to Magistrate Aguirre, following Terradellas’ call, it is claimed that Porta was aware of the Catalan secessionist plan. This information is based on the fact that Porta was informed by Terradellas about a meeting between Russian citizens and President Puigdemont at the Casa dels Canonges, on the eve of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (DUI). In this meeting, Terradellas would have offered the president 10,000 Russian soldiers or pay the Catalan debt. According to the magistrate, Porta said: ‘Let them pay 10M euros and period’ and even offered his current account to make the transfer.
The role of Carles Porta in the Russian-Catalan plot
Magistrate Aguirre concludes that the conversations between Porta and Terradellas demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the situation and the negotiation treaty with Russia for the segregation of part of the Catalan territory. This leads to the conclusion that Carles Porta would have played a relevant role in the Russian-Catalan plot.
The citation of Carles Porta as investigated
Carles Porta, known for his series of Crimes, will be summoned to testify as investigated in the new instruction of Magistrate Aguirre. This new instruction collects information from the Volhov case, where relations with Russian citizens and other people are under investigation.
Other people investigated
In addition to Carles Porta, other people investigated in this alleged Russian plot are Víctor Terradellas, Nikolai Sadovnikov, Serguei Motin and Jordi Sardà. Terradellas is the first person investigated in the Diputació case and Sadovnikov is a former Russian soldier. Sardà is a Catalan businessman who has been charged in the Volhov case but has never been summoned to testify or arrested.
The continuity of the investigation
Magistrate Aguirre has instructed the General Information Office of the Spanish police in Madrid to continue the proceedings of this investigation. This investigation is based on the alleged Russian plot to help Catalan independence and has generated great media interest.