Catalonia ex-leader surrenders to Belgian police
Catalonia’s ousted leader Charles Puigdemont has turned himself over to authorities in Belgium, three days after Spain issued an arrest warrant.
A judge is expected to decide on Monday whether Mr Puigdemont and four former ministers will be extradited to Spain, where they face charges of rebellion and sedition.
Mr Puigdemont fled to Belgium after Madrid imposed direct rule following an independence referendum.
He has said he will not return to Spain unless he is guaranteed a fair trial.
Thousands of Catalans held protests over the weekend against the detention of former ministers and activists by the Madrid authorities.
In the 1 October referendum about 90% of Catalan voters backed independence. However, turnout was only 43%. The deeply divided region has also seen huge anti-independence rallies in recent weeks.
“On 27 October, Carles Puigdemont and his cabinet celebrated Catalonia's independence declaration. Now, barely a week later, he and his colleagues are either in exile, on bail, or in prison.”
“The imprisoned politicians may be able to count on the continued backing of the pro-independence camp. But in recent days in Catalonia, the pro-Spain movement has been equally vocal. The most important test will be regional elections called for 21 December.”