Puigdemont no to asylum

SACKED Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has denied fleeing to Belgium to seek political asylum.

But speaking in Brussels, Mr Puigdemont said he would only return to Barcelona if the government gave “guarantees” he would be treated fairly.

Spain imposed direct rule on Catalonia after its referendum. Mr Puigdemont accused the government of showing “extreme aggression” towards him.