In one of the more farcical episodes in Spanish politics Five Catalan politicians who are currently on trial accused of rebellion following Catalonia’s declaration of independence on 27 October 2018, have been released from prison to sworn in as MPs.
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Catalonia remains a semi-autonomous region in north-east Spain with a history dating back almost 1,000 years. its own language, parliament, flag and anthem. It also has its own police force and controls some of its public services. However, it is a rich area and the main Spanish Government control the taxes so Madrid invoked direct rule by implementing Article 155 of the constitution – (for the only time in Spain’s history) and the 5 MP’s were charged with Rebellion. This didn’t stop them winning their constituencies though and so the appearance in Parliament. No doubt they will be suspended going forward but for today the Spanish parliament is the focus of some disbelief.
The jailed #Catalan leaders who were elected to Parliament in the last Spanish elections were let out of prison to register as MPs and senator this morning, but were not allowed to talk to press. Does #Spain fear the voice of #PoliticalPrisoners? https://t.co/dHQukfMdmd
— Omnium International (@OmniumIntl) May 20, 2019
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