Freedom bid for former Catalan vice-president

FORMER Catalan regional vice-president Oriol Junqueras appeared yesterday (Thursday) before three Supreme court magistrates in an appeal to be released on bail.

Sr Junqueras was appealing the decision made by Supreme Court judge Pablo Larena to continue to remand Junqueras in prison over the separatist bid for Cataluña, accused of rebellion and misuse of public funds.

Sr Junqueras' appeal was not only based on his personal request, but also owing to the fact that he was re-elected regional MP in the December 21 vote.

In his appeal, he requested to be released to 'carry out his duties as regional president' - a statement that clashed with plans by JxC leader and former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont and showed his intention of becoming the new president if Sr Puigdemont does not return from Brussels.

Sr Junqueras' appeal claims he is 'a man of peace who seeks dialogue'.

If his freedom is not granted, Sr Junqueras has requested to be transferred from the Madrid prison he is currently in, to a penitentiary in Cataluña to be able to attend regional parliament meetings.

The public prosecutor has requested Sr Junqueras continues to be remanded in prison because of his vital role in the Catalan crisis and the fact that he is 'likely' to follow the same separatist agenda if he is released before trial.

The hearing concluded just after 13.00 yesterday and the magistrates have to consider their verdict - which may not be made public until today (Friday).