Catalonian politician to give herself up to police
POLICE Scotland was yesterday seeking a former member of Catalonia’s regional government after a European Arrest Warrant was issued – despite the move being condemned by Nicola Sturgeon.
A Spanish judge issued arrest warrants on Friday for Clara Ponsati, the former Catalan education minister who announced she had returned to work at St Andrews University earlier this month, and other senior figures who faced arrest for running an illegal referendum.
Police Scotland confirmed it has been carrying out inquiries and now expects her to hand herself in.
Miss Ponsati fled to Belgium with Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, who was detained by German police yesterday, and three other former cabinet ministers last October following an unsuccessful bid to declare independence.
Earlier this month, she revealed she had returned to work at St Andrews, where she heads the School of Economics and Finance.
After Police Scotland confirmed it was preparing to arrest Miss Ponsati yesterday, Miss Sturgeon issued a staterole ment condemning the Spanish government for seeking to arrest and imprison pro-independence supporters.
She also appeared to encourage Miss Ponsati to use the courts to attempt to block her extradition.
Miss Sturgeon said: ‘It is well established the Scottish Government supports the right of the people of Catalonia to determine their own future and that we strongly oppose the Spanish government’s decision to seek the arrest and imprisonment of independence supporting politicians.
‘The fact our justice system is legally obliged to follow due process in the determination of extradition requests does not change those views.
‘Scottish ministers have no in the determination of European Arrest Warrants.
‘Our police, prosecution service and courts are independent and are legally obliged under this UK legislation to fulfil their responsibilities. Scottish ministers have no powers to intervene.
‘However, the legal process includes the right of any individual to oppose their extradition in the courts and it is vital the integrity of this process is protected – for that reason the Scottish Government will not comment further at this stage.’
Police Scotland said it is in possession of a European Arrest Warrant and that Miss Ponsati’s solicitor, Aamer Anwar, has indicated that she will hand herself in.
Mr Anwar said: ‘I am instructed to oppose the extradition on the basis this is a political prosecution of Clara and a systematic attempt to criminalise the desire for independence by more than two million voters in Catalonia.
‘She faces charges of rebellion with violence against the unity of the Spanish nation, but she promoted a peaceful referendum to express a democratic desire for independence from Spain.
‘This offence is punishable by up to 30 years’ imprisonment. We will submit there are no guarantees of due process in Spain, of a right to a fair trial in a country where most members of the Catalan government are already in prison or in exile.
‘If returned, we submit she will be subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment by the Spanish authorities.’
The SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, said he would be asking the Spanish Ambassador in London for an explanation for the arrest warrant.
He added: ‘Spain needs to think carefully. Arresting politicians is not the right thing to do in a democracy.
‘Catalonia’s constitutional future should be a matter of negotiation and the votes of people who live in Catalonia. Madrid needs to talk and not act as the playground bully.’
But a Scottish Tory spokesman said: ‘Many people will be rightly wondering why the First Minister has decided to weigh in on this matter.
‘Instead of obsessing about issues that are hundreds of miles away, Nicola Sturgeon should be concentrating on the day job and trying to turn around Scotland’s public services.’
‘No powers to intervene’