Pardons for jailed leaders: bans from office excluded, conditional on not reoffending

The pardons for the nine Catalan jailed leaders confirmed on Tuesday will prompt their release from the penitentiaries shortly.

Yet, the Spanish cabinet approved the measure with some fine print: the politicians and activists will see their whole prison sentences commuted, but their decade-long disqualifications from public office will stay.

This means that the nine will not be able to run in an election or hold a public post until between 2027 and July 5, 2031, the date set for former vice president Oriol Junqueras, the person facing a heavier sentence.

Also, the pardons include a clause: those who benefit from this measure cannot "commit the same crimes" again in the coming three to six years – this will probably condition their political activity and statements to the press.

Each of them has been given different times taking into account their behaviour and acts during their time behind bars. Sources of the Spanish government said that any statements on pursuing independence unilaterally and their active participation in the political leadership of the movement have also been considered. 

Here's the breakdown of the conditions for each of the convicted individuals: 

Oriol Junqueras

Former Catalan vice president, finance minister and ERC leader

Prison sentence: 13 years

Served: 3 years, and 7 months (28%)

Barred from public office until: July 2031 

Pardon could be reversed until: 2027

 

Jordi Turull

Former presidency minister

Prison sentence: 12 years

Served: 3 years and 4 months (28%)

Barred from public office until: July 2030

Pardon could be reversed until: 2027

 

Joaquim Forn

Former interior minister

Prison sentence: 10.5 years

Served: 3 years and 7 months (34%)

Barred from public office until: April 2030

Pardon could be reversed until: 2027

 

Raül Romeva

Former foreign action minister

Prison sentence: 12 years

Served: 3 years and 4 months (28%)

Barred from public office until: July 2030 

Pardon could be reversed until: 2025

 

Dolors Bassa

Former labor and social affairs minister

Prison sentence: 12 years

Served: 3 years and 4 months (28%)

Barred from public office until: July 2030

Pardon could be reversed until: 2024

 

Josep Rull

Former territory minister

Prison sentence: 10.5 years

Served: 3 years and 4 months (32%)

Barred from public office until: January 2029

Pardon could be reversed until: 2027

 

Carme Forcadell

Former parliament speaker

Prison sentence: 11.5 years

Served: 3 years and 3 months (28%)

Barred from public office until: April 2031

Pardon could be reversed until: 2025

 

Jordi Sànchez

Former ANC grassroots leader

Prison sentence: 9 years

Served: 3 years and 8 months (41%)

Barred from public office until: July 2027 

Pardon could be reversed until: 2026

 

Jordi Cuixart

Òmnium Cultural grassroots leader

Prison sentence: 9 years

Served: 3 years and 8 months (41%)

Barred from public office until: July 2027 

Pardon could be reversed until: 2026