Catalan president to ‘prepare path for international mediation’

The Catalan president has announced he will intensify political moves abroad in order to "prepare the path for mediation," so as to find a way out of the conflict between Catalonia and Spain.

Quim Torra made a statement on Wednesday in Parliament condemning the proposed sentences for the jailed leaders made public by the Spanish prosecutor last Friday, which total 177 years in jail for rebellion.

"In accordance with [foreign] minister Maragall, we will personally address all representatives of EU countries explaining the situation in Catalonia," he said. "We want to explain directly to them how Spain is treating the politicians who wanted to enable citizens to have their say."

During his 10-minute speech, Torra called on all Catalan political parties to stop "looking the other way" from the "injustice" being suffered by the imprisoned leaders.

Once more, Torra said he would not accept any guilty sentences against the prosecuted officials when they go to trial, but he did not give details on what this might mean.

Opposition leader: "Will you storm into courts?"

In fact, opposition leader, Inés Arrimadas, responded to his speech by asking what he intends to do in order to reject the sentences.

"Will you attack judges? Will you storm into courts? Will you let the Parliament be stormed? Will you chase us? Will you occupy the airport? What will you do?" asked Arrimadas, leader of unionist Ciutadans. "A normal democrat would appeal to a higher court, but I do not know what to expect from you, be brave and answer."

Socialists call to back Spain's rule of law

In the same vein, leader of Socialists Miquel Iceta also called on Torra for a clarification.