Finnish police confirms Spanish request to extradite Puigdemont

The Finnish police confirmed on Saturday that they received a request by the Spanish authorities to arrest and extradite Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, who was visiting the country this week. In a press release, the police said they received a request to extradite a "Spanish citizen" and that they are working with the Finnish prosecutor and the Spanish authorities to gather more information.

Puigdemont arrived in Finland on Thursday, when he held a number of interviews in the Finnish Parliament. He also gave a conference at the University of Helsinki on Friday.

Puigdemont is being prosecuted for rebellion and misuse of public funds for his role in the Catalan independence roadmap, and is facing up to 40 years in jail.

Five Catalan officials, including a current presidential candidate and the former Parliament speaker, were imprisoned on Friday while awaiting trial. Five other Catalan leaders currently in exile in Belgium, Scotland and Switzerland are also wanted by the Spanish authorities.

One of Carles Puigdemont's lawyers said in a radio interview that "there is no alternative" for him but to present himself before the Finnish police.