Catalan ex-leader Puigdemont freed temporarily
ABC News
Catalonia’s former separatist leader Carles Puigdemont walked out of a Sardinian courthouse victoriously Monday after a judge delayed a decision on Spain’s extradition request and said he was free to travel
SASSARI, Sardinia -- Catalonia's former separatist leader Carles Puigdemont walked out of a Sardinian courthouse Monday after a judge delayed a decision on Spain's extradition request and said he was free to travel.
Puigdemont walked out with his lawyers, shook hands and embraced supporters, saying he was "very happy," as he got in a van and was whisked away.
His Italian lawyer, Agostinangelo Marras, told reporters that a decision on extradition to Spain, where he is accused of sedition, is pending decisions on two questions already being considered by European courts. But he said his client is free to travel as he pleases in the meantime.
“He is absolutely free. The court will set a new date after the European court decides on the two pending questions. One is the immunity of President Piugdemont, and the other is the legitimacy of the Spanish judge to issue the arrest warrant,″ Piugdemont’s Italian lawyer, Agostinoangelo Marras, told The Associated Press.