Pro-independence groups pay 2.1m required of former cabinet by judge

The pro-independence organizations Òmnium Cultural and the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) have paid the 2.1 million euro required by judge Pablo Llarena of the former Catalan cabinet. This money came from donations from pro-independence supporters. The reasons given behind the court order include making sure that any fines that might result from the upcoming trial are paid.

All of the officials, currently being prosecuted for their role in Catalonia’s push  for independence last year, were ordered to pay the sum last week by Spain’s Supreme Court. Divided amongst them, it amounted to around 150,000 euros each. They were given two working days to carry out the transaction. Otherwise, they would face having their assets confiscated. 

In a joint statement, Òmnium and ANC announced that the payment has already been made effective after completing the necessary procedures, using a solidarity fund.

From last Friday until midday Wednesday, the groups raised 1,766,391 million euros in funds, which together with previous donations made up the total 2.1 million euros needed to pay the bail.

ANC has said it is still necessary to raise funds for possible “judicial hardships” that might come in the future. “Solidarity and persistence are the force of the movement,” they concluded in a statement.

Misuse of funds

All of the officials were charged on March 23 with misuse of funds for allegedly using public money to pay for the unilateral referendum on October 1, 2017. Nine of the 14 former officials will also face trial for rebellion. While the former crimes carry sentences of up to eight years in prison, the latter might result in up to 30 years behind bars. The indictment of the 14 leaders and 11 other pro-independence politicians and activists was confirmed last Wednesday.