Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont evaded arrest in Spain for the second time in seven years by making a dramatic escape into a getaway car after a public appearance in Barcelona. Despite a pending arrest warrant for his role in a 2017 independence referendum, which was declared illegal by Spanish courts, Puigdemont returned to Spain this week. His disappearance following a speech on Thursday in Barcelona left police and journalists surprised, as they had intended to arrest him after the event. Catalonia’s regional police defended their actions and launched an investigation into the failed capture of Puigdemont.
The head of Catalonia’s interior department, Joan Ignasi Elena, criticized Puigdemont’s behavior and defended the regional Mossos D’Esquadra police force. Mossos chief Eduard Sallent explained that the large crowd and presence of local dignitaries around Puigdemont during his speech made it difficult to detain him at that moment. Police had hoped to arrest him as he marched towards the Catalan Parliament, as had been announced by Puigdemont and the event organizers. However, Puigdemont made a surprise exit from the stage, donned a straw hat, and quickly got into a waiting car, evading police pursuit.
The police pursued the car used by Puigdemont after his escape but ultimately lost track of him. Two police officers were detained for their involvement in the escape, with one being released later. Puigdemont had announced his return to Spain on Wednesday, but his fellow separatist and member of his legal team, Jordi Turull, revealed that Puigdemont had actually been in Barcelona since Tuesday. Puigdemont’s lawyer confirmed that he was back in Belgium on Friday. The purpose of Puigdemont’s escape and return to Spain was questioned by Elena, who called it a “show” that brought nothing to the independence movement. Puigdemont’s first escape in 2017 had become legendary among his supporters and a source of embarrassment for Spanish law enforcement.
Puigdemont’s escape and evasion of arrest in Spain have once again placed him at the center of political controversy and public attention. The Catalan leader’s actions have raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the handling of such high-profile cases. The ongoing tensions between Catalonia and the Spanish government are likely to be further exacerbated by Puigdemont’s daring escape and return to Belgium. The Catalan independence movement, of which Puigdemont is a prominent figure, continues to face challenges and uncertainties as it navigates a complex political landscape. Puigdemont’s ability to evade capture has once again highlighted the deep divisions within Spanish society and the ongoing struggle for autonomy and independence in the Catalonia region.
