While Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has accused Spanish King Felipe VI of pursuing "aggressive" policies that limit the rights of the autonomous region, several Spanish lawyers believe that it is Puigdemont who must be punished for his "unlawful actions" and face criminal proceedings over excessive use of power.
"We must investigate, prosecute and convict all those responsible violating the Spanish Constitution," one of the lawyers, Angel Bordas, told Sputnik Mundo.
Denuncia interpuesta en la Sala de lo Penal del TSJ de Cataluña contra el Presidente de la Generalitat por diversos delitos. @respetoand pic.twitter.com/DQNh2Tuoul
— ANGEL BORDAS (@CHAPYBORDAS) 11 октября 2017 г.
"You can't break the rules, and then demand a dialogue, this is called blackmail," he continued.
A few days later, Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont stated that the outcome of the vote enabled the regional authorities to declare independence. However, the politician called on the regional parliament to suspend the proclamation in order to pave the way for dialogue with Madrid.
On Saturday, the Spanish authorities decided to invoke Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which envisages suspension of some of Catalonia's autonomy under specific conditions.
In particular, the Spanish government announced its decision to dissolve the Catalan government and hold a snap election to the regional parliament as soon as possible. These measures are expected to be adopted by the Senate during the meeting on October 27.
In response, Puigdemont stated that Catalan institutions have been subject to aggression by the state with the support of Spanish King Felipe VI, adding that the move of the Spanish authorities is an "attack" aimed at curbing the rights of the autonomous region.
