Judge keeps pro-independence leaders in jail despite prosecutor’s opposition

The Spanish Supreme Court ruled on Thursday to keep pro-independence leaders Jordi Sànchez and Joaquim Forn behind bars. The judges rejected their latest appeal to be released although the prosecutor had asked for the deposed minister Forn to be freed on a bail of 100,000 euros after a hearing on Tuesday. The magistrates, however, believe there is “risk of repeated offence.” 

Forn, however, did not take office as MP, and Sànchez pledged this week that he will give up his post as MP as well. He was the nominated candidate for president, but withdrew hid bid on Wednesday in an effort to convince the judges that he is eligible for release.

Spain's Supreme Court rejected the prosecutor's request for the release of Forn, which was based on “humanitarian” reasons. The deposed home affairs minister has tested positive for tuberculosis while behind bars, . The far-right VOX party, acting in this process as a private prosecutor, was the only one asking to keep Forn in prison, and the judges were, in the end, on the same page.

Last February, judge Llarena dismissed Sànchez’s and Forn’s petition for freedom citing the risk of repeated offenses on their part. Their lawyers challenged the decision, arguing that the defendants had renounced their intentions of unilateral means to achieve independence, stressing that they therfore abided by the Spanish Constitution. The court's decision on Thursday proved that their appeal failed.

Sànchez withdrew bid

A week ago, the Supreme Court also dismissed Sànchez’s request for temporary permission to leave jail in order to be sworn in at the Catalan Parliament. As a result, he was forced to withdraw his bid thus giving way to Jordi Turull, who is expected to be appointed on Thursday evening. Yet on Friday, the magistrate could sent Turull and other pro-independence officials back to jail.