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Italian court suspends Spain extradition request for Puigdemont

Tuesday, 05 October 2021 2:36 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 05 October 2021 2:36 AM ]

Max Civili
Press TV, Rome

A Sassari appeals court suspended a hearing regarding the extradition to Spain of former Catalan's separatist leader Carles Puigdemont.

The Italian judges have determined that a rule on the matter will be made after the European Court of Justice announces its verdict on Puigdemont's immunity.

The politician’s immunity - linked to his election as a member of the European Parliament - was lifted earlier this year by the EU General Court.

Catalan separatist leader Puigdemont is wanted by Madrid on charges of sedition for leading a Catalan bid to declare independence from Spain in October 2017. Separatists' short-lived declaration of independence triggered a major political crisis with Spain during which Puigdemont and several others fled abroad.

A German court refused to extradite Puigdemont to Spain on rebellion charges in 2018, simply arguing that the Catalan leader is not punishable under German law.

Some Italian lawmakers have slammed Puidgemont's arrest in Sardinia, last month, saying it was a dark page in Italy's democracy.

The Sassari court will set a new date after the European court of Justice decides on the immunity of Puigdemont and on the legitimacy of the Spanish judge to issue the arrest warrant.

Meanwhile, Puigdemont is free to travel as he pleases. For the time being.

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