Leaders of the separatist movement in Catalonia will be able to participate in the elections on December 21, despite the arrest. All those who "deceived the citizens of Catalonia", including Carles Puicdemont, should be disqualified as politicians. This was stated by Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Tuesday, November 14, in his first interview after applying the 155th article of the constitution in respect of the Catalan autonomy. At the same time, in an interview with the leading radio "Cope" in Madrid, he stressed that all the leaders of the separatist movement, currently in custody, will be able to participate in the regional elections in Catalonia, since they are not forbidden by the court to engage in politics. "Such a ban can only follow from a court verdict, and it was not handed down," Rahoy said.. In this regard, the prime minister urged the inhabitants of Catalonia to ensure a high turnout at the elections, so that parties that do not support the secession of the region from Spain. He also doubted that arrested politicians would be able to carry out their functions if they were elected, but sentenced to imprisonment by the court.

Recall that since early November, eight ex-members of the Government of Catalonia are in pre-trial detention, and Puchdemon and four of his ally are hiding in Belgium. The Supreme Court of Spain issued a European warrant for their arrest, a Belgian court must rule on it until November 18. Extraordinary parliamentary elections in Catalonia are scheduled for December 21. After their holding and election of a new parliament, Article 155 is no longer valid. Source: Russian DW Service.

Original article: Arrested Catalan separatists will be able to run for parliament.