Catalan leaders’ prison day-leaves taken to Supreme Court as prosecutor fights appeal

Spain’s public prosecutor has challenged the prison privileges granted to Catalonia’s jailed pro-independence leaders in the Supreme Court, demanding that they be immediately stripped of day-leaves and weekend permits.

Nine leading politicians and activists in Catalonia were found guilty of sedition for organizing an unauthorized referendum and trying to break away from Spain in the fall of 2017, with mandated jail time ranging from 9 to 13 years.

Already averaging over three years behind bars, Catalan authorities granted them the low category status as inmates a month ago, allowing them to leave jail during the day, sleep in the cell, and go home on weekends.

The public prosecutor challenged the decision and demanded their prison privileges be precautionarily revoked while judges consider the appeal. A lower court rejected the proposed measure, and the prosecutor took the case to Spain’s highest court.

The cases of politicians Carme Forcadell and Dolors Bassa were taken to the Supreme Court on Monday, followed by those of their seven male colleagues on Tuesday.

It’s the second time Catalan leaders have their prison privileges taken before the Supreme Court. Their low category status was already revoked two months ago.