Deposed ministers in Brussels to appear in court on Thursday

Three deposed Catalan ministers are to appear before a Belgian judge on Thursday in response to the European Arrest Warrant issued by the Spanish judiciary, which seeks the politicians’ extradition for their role in Catalonia’s push for independence.

Antoni Comín, Meritxell Serret and Lluís Puig left Catalonia and seeked refuge abroad last October, when the Spanish government dismissed them following a declaration of independence. They alleged that they did not trust the Spanish justice system to offer them a fair trial.

The deposed ministers spent most of the time abroad accompanying the deposed president Carles Puigdemont, who also traveled to Brussels. Two weeks ago, he was detained in Germany while he was trying to get back to Belgium following a trip to Finland. He remains behind bars while awaiting a final decision on his extradition.

It’s the second time that the Belgian judiciary has to decide on the extradition of the pro-independence leaders. The Supreme Court withdrew the previous European Arrest Warrant last December, over concerns that the Belgian judges’ criteria might interfere with the case at the national level.

Prior to a final decision on their extradition, the Belgian judiciary is expected to determine the preemptive measures for the deposed ministers. This could include their temporary detention. Last time, all pro-independence leaders were allowed to walk free.

Clara Ponsatí, another deposed minister who also traveled to Belgium, recently moved to Scotland to resume her career as university professor. A Scottish court decided to let her go free last week.

Rebellion, disobedience and misuse of public funds

Comín faces criminal charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds, carrying up to 40 years in jail. Serret and Puig are charged with crimes of disobedience and misuse of public funds.