Carles Puigdemont, the exiled former leader of Catalonia, has escaped a large police manhunt and fled Spain. He returned to Belgium after a brief appearance in Barcelona.
Spanish authorities began searching for Puigdemont after he made an unexpected public speech in Barcelona and then disappeared.
According to the BBC News, Puigdemont is wanted on charges related to the failed Catalan independence bid in 2017.
Puigdemont's Escape
Puigdemont’s return to Spain was unexpected.
After addressing supporters outside the Catalan parliament, he quickly vanished. Despite efforts by the Catalan police, Puigdemont managed to escape and reportedly returned to Belgium where he has lived in exile for most of the past seven years.
Jordi Turull, the secretary general of Puigdemont's party, confirmed that the former leader is now back in Brussels. But he could not specify if Puigdemont had returned to his home in Waterloo.
A Controversial Figure
Puigdemont has been a fugitive since 2017 when he fled to Belgium following the Catalan independence referendum.
Spain’s constitutional court declared the referendum illegal. After the referendum, Catalonia’s leaders declared independence, which led Madrid to impose direct rule over the region.
Puigdemont and other leaders fled to avoid prosecution.
Puigdemont’s brief return to Barcelona happened during the investiture of Salvador Illa, a Socialist, as the new Catalan president. His appearance triggered a massive police operation, with roadblocks set up around Barcelona and in areas near the border, including La Jonquera.
Police there were seen stopping and searching vehicles.
Police and Political Fallout
The failure to capture Puigdemont has led to scrutiny of Catalonia’s police force. Chief Commissioner Eduard Sallent said the plan was to arrest Puigdemont “in the most suitable place,” but admitted the large crowd made it difficult.
Two officers have been detained for allegedly helping Puigdemont escape, and there are suspicions that other members of the force may have been involved.
Judge Pablo Llarena of the Spanish Supreme Court, who issued the arrest warrant, has demanded explanations from the Catalan police and the Spanish interior ministry about the failed attempt to capture Puigdemont.
This incident has sparked a blame game.
Justice Minister Felix Bolanos said the search was the Mossos' responsibility. Meanwhile, Mossos director general Pere Ferrer criticized the situation, saying it is unfair to blame the police for political problems.
