EU Advocate General Supports Catalan Amnesty Law Amid Judicial Controversy

The recent endorsement of Catalonia's amnesty law by the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has sparked significant political discourse among Catalan leaders about its legitimacy and implementation. Oriol Junqueras, leader of the ERC, celebrated this development, emphasizing that the European official affirmed the law is not a "self-amnesty" and applies to various charges, including embezzlement and terrorism linked to Catalan independence activists. Junqueras expressed hope that the CJEU's final ruling will facilitate the Constitutional Court's acceptance of the law, countering what he termed obstructionist tactics by Spain's Supreme Court. He criticized parts of the judiciary for acting as a "third legislative chamber," blocking democratic decisions and perpetuating unjust persecution that has led to exile and imprisonment for many Catalan leaders (Source 142243).

Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont echoed concerns that the amnesty law's application has been selectively delayed and manipulated by judicial forces and political entities like Societat Civil Catalana and Vox. He highlighted that this delay stems from "blind obedience" to certain judicial instructions rather than any constitutional issues with the law itself. Puigdemont underscored that the final decision lies with judges who prioritize national interests over European and parliamentary directives, reflecting on the historic role of Spain's judiciary (Source 142247). Meanwhile, Míriam Nogueras, Junts spokesperson in Congress, welcomed the CJEU opinion, describing it as confirming that the amnesty law complies with European standards and signaling progress in the legal battle for Catalan independence figures (Source 142247).

This judicial and political interplay highlights ongoing tensions in Spain surrounding the 2017 independence movement convictions and the amnesty law that seeks to pardon those involved. The EU's endorsement has injected momentum into efforts to resolve this conflict through legal recognition. However, the ultimate verdict from the Court of Justice of the European Union and the Spanish Constitutional Court remains awaited, framing a critical moment for Catalonia's political future and Spain's judiciary- legislature relations.