Scottish first minister “strongly opposes” imprisonment of Catalan leaders

The first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, expressed "strong opposition" to Spain's decision to "seek and imprison Catalan pro-independence leaders." Regarding the European arrest warrant issued by the Spanish judiciary against the deposed Catalan minister Clara Ponsatí, currently living in Scotland, Sturgeon highlighted the independence of the Scottish legal system. "Scottish Ministers have no power to intervene in the process and our police and courts are legally obliged to follow due process," noted the first minister of Scotland.

Still, Sturgeon highlighted her support for Catalonia's right to self-determination. "Our support for Catalan self-determination and strong opposition to Spain’s decision to seek the arrest and imprisonment of independence supporting politicians is well established," she said. Sturgeon also said that "many will wish that the Scottish government was able to do or say more." Yet she stressed "the importance of protecting due process and the independence of our legal system."