Cuixart denounces ‘suspension of rights’ to ‘protect’ Spanish unity in statement of defense

The statement of defense for the jailed pro-independence leader Jordi Cuixart was released on Monday, denouncing the “suspension of civil, political and democratic rights” with “the objective of protecting” Spain’s “territorial unity.”

In the text, lawyer Marina Roig notes that “80% of the Catalan population” wants a “political solution” which has to “necessarily” pass through “the exercising of the right to self-determination,” backed by both Cuixart and the civil society Òmnium Cultural organization he leads.

The leader has been in pre-trial detention for his role in Catalonia’s push for independence since late 2017 and his statement of defense was released ahead of the trial against him and other individuals, the date for which is expected to be announced shortly.

The 93-page defense presented to the Spanish Supreme Court further warns that should Cuixart be found guilty, Spain would be condemned internationally “for violation of human rights.”

Incarcerated officials Oriol Junqueras and Raül Romeva also released their statements of defense this week.