EFA strongly condemns Catalan President Quim Torra’s ban on holding office

The Supreme Court of the Spanish state has today barred Catalan President Quim Torra from holding public office.

He was found guilty of displaying pro-independence symbols in a government building, and defying court orders for their removal. Torra has been barred from holding public office for 18 months, and faces a fine of €30,000. 

EFA MEP and Secretary General Jordi Solé today said: 

“This is yet another arbitrary, disproportionate attack on Catalan institutions from the Spanish state. I wish the Spanish judiciary could show the same diligence towards for instance the fleeing former King, the systemic corruption or the deep state than when it comes to punish Catalan pro-independence politicians.”

EFA President, Lorena López de Lacalle added:

“Retaliation policy in Spain should stop. All political conflicts must be solved through dialogue and negotiation. We urge the EU institutions to mediate in the Catalan conflict. We are talking about the respect of basic human rights and freedom of speech. This is not an internal matter – this is about the fundamental values of the EU, be it in Spain or any other EU Member State”

He is the third Catalan President in a row to be prosecuted by the Spanish judiciary, following Artur Mas and Carles Puigdemont.