Catalonia’s Supreme Court (TSJC) summons President Mas for 9N symbolic vote on independence

Barcelona (CNA).- Two days after the 27-S elections, Catalonia’s Supreme Court (TSJC) has confirmed the prosecution of current Catalan President Artur Mas, former Vice-President Joana Ortega and Catalan Minister of Education Irene Rigau for having authorised and co-organised the non-binding and symbolic vote on independence that took place on 9 November 2014. The TSJC is finally launching a judicial investigation into “alleged disobedience” after charges were pressed by several individuals and organisations, including extreme-right associations and the Spanish Public Prosecution Office, whose Director is appointed by the Spanish Government. The prosecution by the Spanish authorities has been extremely controversial, from both the legal and the political points of view. President Mas will have to present himself to the on the 15th of October. The Catalan Government considered the TSJC decision a “democratic anomaly” and described it as a “political judgment”.

Mas, Ortega and Rigau are summonsed for disobedience, perversion of justice, misappropriation of public funds and overtaking of public office. The call to declare was left pending, after the defences of Mas, Ortega and Rigau asked the TSJC to do so and wait until after the 27-S elections, to avoid interfering with the electoral process. The first to declare will be former Vice-President Joana Ortega and Catalan Minister of Education Irene Rigau, whom are set to do so on the 13th of October. President Mas will have to present himself to the court on the 15th of October, a date which coincides with the 75th anniversary of republican Catalan President Lluís Company’s execution.

Catalan Government: “We haven’t done anything illegal”

The Catalan Government considered the TSJC decision a “democratic anomaly” and described it as a “political judgment”. “A lawsuit was brought because we put in place the ballot boxes and allowed citizens to express their opinion regarding their country’s future” stated Catalan Government spokeswoman Neus Munté. She recounted and extended the Government’s “full support” to President Mas, Vice-President Joana Ortega and Catalan Minister of Education Irene Rigau. Munté lamented the “exploitation” of the judicial system, which could “also be seen during the electoral campaign”.

Junqueras: This “is the best example” to fight for independence

“This is the best example” to explain why Catalonia has to be an independent country. Number five of pro-independence list ‘Junts Pel Sí’, left-wing ERC leader Oriol Junqueras, made this statement in a radio interview with Catalan station RAC1 after the TSJC’s decision was announced. “As long as we belong to the Spanish State, normal things such as asking the citizens’ opinion will turn into lawsuits and summonses” he warned. Junqueras considers the summonsing an invitation “to prolong Catalonia’s independence process” and expressed the need to “shorten the deadlines and implement the process” as soon as possible. He also commented on the coincidence of the date on which Mas is called to the court, the 15th of October, being the 75th anniversary of Catalan President Lluís Companys’ execution. “If they did it on purpose, it would be monstrous”, he stated.

ANC and Òmnium Cultural: “We are co-responsible”

The two main civil societies supporting Catalonia’s independence, the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) and Òmnium Cultural, warned that the TSCJ decision “won’t be left unanswered”. The presidents of both associations, Jordi Sànchez and Quim Torra, expressed their “full support” for President Mas, Vice-President Joana Ortega and Catalan Minister of Education Irene Rigau. The President of ANC, Jordi Sànchez, emphasised that they feel “co-responsible” for the organisation of the 9-N non-binding vote on independence. He lamented “the gesture” from the Spanish government against “a decision which aimed to allow people to express themselves”. “Fidelity to the institutions of our land”, stated Òmnium Cultural’s President Quim Torra.

CUP: “Another attack against our institutions”

Left wing pro-independence CUP condemned the TSJC’s decision and described it as “another attack against our institutions”. “Disobeying will be a usual procedure from now on”, they warned. They emphasised the “democratic phobia” of the Spanish State and critised the “political use” of the judicial system “to bend Catalonia’s will”. CUP urged to file the accusation as Mas, Rigau and Ortgea were summonsed to “follow the democratic mandate of celebrating a referendum”.

Ciutadans: “Every Spanish is subjected to rule of law”

Anti-Catalan nationalism Ciutadans’s leader, Albert Rivera feels that the TSJC called Mas to the court “because there are crimes to be charged”. “Every Spanish citizen is subject to the rule of law; whether he is called Artur Mas or Albert Rivera” he stated. Rivera insisted that Mas’s “political incompetence” shouldn’t be mixed up with judicial affairs. “I don’t want to judge” nor “interfere” in political decisions “as others do”, he stated.

PSC: Mas summons is “a mistake”

Catalan Socialist Party PSC commented on the TSJC decision and considered it to be “a mistake”. “It complicates the dialogue” that is “required” after the 27-S elections, stated PSC’s Secretary of organisation, Assumpta Escarp. She expressed her respect to the judicial institutions but emphasised that the 9-N’s consequences should have been solved “by political means”.

PPC: Mas will be summonsed “once and for all”

The Catalan branch of conservative People’s Party (PPC) also commented on Mas’ summonsing by the TSJC. Its lead candidate in the 27-S Xavier García Albiol celebrated the decision and stated that Mas is now “less legitimate” to rule the Catalan government. “Catalonia can’t have a President which is summonsed for disobedience” he said, and emphasised Mas “precedents” for “creating ruptures in society”. Albiol asked Mas to “voluntarily resign”.

ICV: “Spain’s disastrous management of the 9-N goes one step further”

Catalan Eco-Socialist party ICV commented on the TSJC decision to summons President Mas, Vice-President Joana Ortega and Catalan Minister of Education Irene Rigau for organising the symbolic referendum on independence, held on the 9th of November 2015. “It helps the confrontation and the polarisation” of the political situation in Catalonia, stated ICV’s National Coordinator, Dolors Camats. At a press conference held this Thursday, Camats considered the TSJC’s decision to be “another step” in Spain’s “disastrous management” of the 9-N consultation. “It helps to expel from the political debate other issues and problems that affect the daily life of citizens”, she stated.