Puigdemont to face extradition hearing in Brussels

Carles Puigdemont and four of his ministers will face an extradition hearing today at 2pm in Brussels. In today’s hearing, which is the first since the Belgian judge released Puigdemont and his four ministers under restrictions on November 5, the judge has to decide whether to extradite them to Spain or not.

However, the decision of the magistrate can take several days, according to sources in the Belgian prosecution. According to some media, Puigdemont will argue that Spain’s attempts to extradite him are unlawful and politically motivated.  

Judge’s decision can take several days

The magistrate could take several days to make a decision. After, both Puigdemont and the Catalan ministers have the possibility to submit an appeal.

On November 5, the Belgian judge forbade Puigdemont and his ministers, deposed since the Spanish government enforced Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, from leaving Belgium without permission.

Belgian judiciary requested information about the case

The Spanish judiciary wants them to return to Spain in order to face accusations of sedition, rebellion and misuse of public funds. Before taking the decision, the Belgian judiciary requested information from the Spanish National Court about the case against Catalan president Carles Puigdemont and his ministers, deposed by the Spanish executive, before deciding whether to accept an extradition order from Madrid or not.

Among the information requested were elements of the Spanish penitentiary system, such as the internal regime of prisons, and where Catalan officials would end up if handed over to Spanish authorities.

Rajoys meets Michel before Catalan officials’ hearing

The Spanish President, Mariano Rajoy, and the Belgian Prime Minister, Charles Michel, met today in Sweden. Both leaders are attending a European summit in the country the same day that the Catalan officials appear in court in Brussels. However, Spanish diplomatic sources stated that they did not talk about Catalonia.