Junqueras’ imprisonment to be appealed in European institutions, says ERC spokesman

Junqueras’ party, Esquerra Republicana (ERC), announced that they will appeal Oriol Junqueras’ imprisonment in European institutions after the Spanish Supreme Court ruled to keep the Catalan vice president in precautionary jail. In an interview with the Catalan News Agency (ACN), the spokesperson for ERC, Sergi Sabrià, said that the party “deeply” regrets the Spanish court’s decision on Junqueras’ freedom, even though he stressed that it did not surprise them.  

In addition, Sabrià denounced that, considering legal criteria, Junqueras shouldn’t be currently imprisoned. Indeed, the spokesman for ERC highlighted that Junqueras made clear at the hearing that he is “a man of peace” and that he is willing to work with the Spanish state to achieve his political goals.

"We do not understand at all the decision that has been taken," said the spokesperson for ERC. Still, Sabrià insisted that Junqueras will continue to “battle” before the Spanish Supreme Court, but also before European institutions to make sure that “the sooner the better, Junqueras is at home with his loved ones and doing politics.”

Sabrià also hopes that Junqueras’ request to be transferred to a Catalan prison is accepted. The spokesman for ERC said that it wouldn’t be enough for them, but acknowledges that it would constitute an “important” improvement, both for the official's family and for “guaranteeing” his political rights. Junqueras requested to be transferred to a Catalan prison in order to be able to attend the Catalan parliament’s plenary sessions, since he was elected as MP in the past election.