The Spanish court has issued an international arrest warrant for Catalonia's ex-leader Carles Puigdemont and several other local government officials who are currently in Brussels, according to local media reports.
However, a court source has told Sputnik that "the decision has not yet been made by the judge."
Previously, the lawyer of Carles Puigdemont has explained his client absence at a court hearing by climate issues. However, previously, the lawyer has stated that the former leader of Catalonia had no intention to show up to testify any way.
READ MORE: Former Catalan Leader Not Planning to Appear Before Spanish Court – Lawyer
Later in the day, the judge has reportedly decided to take the former vice-president of Catalonia and eight other high-ranking officials into pre-trial custody, with one of them stepping down before the declaration of independence.
The Spanish court's hearing comes after the former leaders of the region have been requested to appear before the court over rebellion, sedition and embezzlement of state funds charges.
Puigdemont in Brussels After 155 Article of Constitution Invoked
Carles Puigdemont has fled to Brussels after the Spanish authorities have invoked Article 155 of the Constitution that imposes direct rule over Catalonia following the region's unilateral proclamation of independence.
While the regional parliament has recognized its dissolution, the former Catalan leader has refused to recognize Madrid's move and called for peaceful resistance to the decision.
Several days later, Puigdemont held a press conference in Belgium, during which he stated that he would return to Catalonia only in case of "guarantees" for his safety.
According to the former Catalan leader, holding a dialogue with Madrid in current conditions is "impossible," however, the region's independence drive should slow down.
