European Commission says imprisonment of pro-independence leaders is “an internal matter of Spain”

The European Commission has nothing to say on the imprisonment of two pro-independence civil society leaders in Catalonia. Spokesman Alexander Winterstein confirmed on Tuesday that Brussels is aware of the judicial decision to imprison without bail Jordi Sànchez and Jordi Cuixart, but added that he would "not comment" about it.

"This process is happening within the internal, legal and constitutional order of Spain, it's an internal matter of Spain," Winterstein said. "We don't comment on judicial procedures within member states," he added, saying they would not make an exception regarding this case.

Asked about whether the arrests could hamper calls for dialogue between Catalonia and Spain, the European Commission spokesman insisted that he wouldn't comment "on the decision nor its implications."

Winterstein also said that he was "unaware" of any contacts between the Commission and the Catalan government.