Rapper Valtònyc announces return from exile

Catalan-language rapper Valtònyc has announced he has started the journey "back home" from exile, after living in Belgium for the past five years. 

In a post on social media, the rapper said that "returning is always the best part of the adventure." 

Josep Miquel Arenas Beltrán, better known by his stage name Valtònyc, thanked former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont in his post for having "accompanied" him. The social media post of the announcement has three photos attached, one of which being of the rapper and ex-president sitting together in a car. 

The Mallorcan native is wanted by authorities to serve a 3.5 years sentence handed down in 2018 for glorifying terrorism, threats, and insulting the monarchy with his lyrics, and evaded imprisonment by fleeing to Belgium.

Valtòynic's lawyer, Gonzalo Boye, explained to the Catalan News Agency that the rapper can now return to Spain because the crimes for which he was convicted have already expired. The musician intends to go to Barcelona and Palma.

Puigdemont also posted on social media wishing Valtònyc well: "With you, Valtònyc, we all come back a little."

"Thank you for resisting an unjust exile and accompanying us without ever giving up. It has been an honor to share this journey," the former president added.