An Unexpected Interpretation
The expected response from the Supreme Court on the application of the procés amnesty law has surprised many by opting for an unexpected interpretation and contrary to what was expected. This decision has generated a great impact in the political and legal sphere.
Impact on Political Conflict
The resolution of the 1-O instructor, Pablo Llarena, not to apply the rule of criminal oblivion to the president in exile, Carles Puigdemont, and to the former councilors Toni Comín and Lluís Puig, has had a significant effect on the political conflict. This decision has affected the political truce agreed between the PSOE Government and the independence parties of Junts and ERC.
Continuity of the Conflict
The Spanish high court has kept the political conflict open by not amnestying the leaders of 1-O, which has led the independence movement to try to rebuild bridges in the face of the possibility of a repeat election in Catalonia. Meanwhile, 1-O leaders see their amnesty become more complicated, indicating that the fight in the courts to enforce the amnesty law will be prolonged.
Amnesties and Judicial Decisions
The Supreme Court has maintained its position by not granting amnesty to the 1-O leaders, arguing that they enriched themselves with the crime of embezzlement, which has generated uncertainty among the middle managers of Junts and ERC pending trial. On the other hand, there have been amnesties for protesters and police officers, which has generated an impact in the judicial and political sphere.
Application of the Amnesty Law
The fight in the courts to enforce the amnesty law is expected to be prolonged, since the Supreme Court appears not to comply with the requirement to apply the rule within the established period. The defenses, the Prosecutor’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office have presented appeals for the Supreme Court to fulfill the mandate of the rule, which indicates that this legal process will continue to generate controversy and debate.
