Socialist leader’s hints that political ‘hostility’ could affect independence trial draws criticism

The head of the Catalan Socialists (PSC) says the ongoing conflict over the independence issue could end up affecting the outcome of the trial of political leaders for their part in last year’s bid to break away from Spain.

Talking to the Catalan News Agency (ACN), Miquel Iceta called on the pro-independence parties to reflect on their actions and whether they want the trial to take place “in a context of hostility and rupture or the search for solutions.”  

"The atmosphere depends on the politicians,” warned Iceta, although he admitted that “the decisions will be taken by the judge.” Yet he insisted that continuing to follow a strategy of conflict could “color” the outcome of the trial.

The PSC head also urged the people putting up yellow ribbon symbols in support of the jailed and exiled leaders no to “colonize” the public space, nor to "erase” opposing political expressions. Iceta also criticized the unionist Ciutadans party (Cs) for "fueling" the conflict.

Torra: “Intolerable threats”

Iceta’s comments drew an immediate reaction from Catalan president Quim Torra. “These threats are intolerable and do nothing more than confirm that this unfair and indecent trial is a farce,” he said on social media on Saturday.