Spain's Attorney General dies at 66

Spain’s Attorney General José Manuel Maza, one of the most prominent figures of the Spanish state’s response to Catalonia’s push for independence, died on Saturday in Argentina. Maza was in Buenos Aires attending an international meeting of public prosecutors, but fell ill due to an infection and was sent to the hospital. The Spanish Justice minister, Rafael Catalá, confirmed Maza’s death on Saturday at 20:30. He was 66 years old.

“Spain’s Attorney General, José Manuel Maza Martín, has died,” tweeted Spanish president Mariano Rajoy shortly after Catalá announced his death. “My recognition and gratitude for dedicating his life to serving the State. My condolences to his relatives, friends and colleagues. Rest in peace.”

Maza was one of the leading figures in the Spanish state’s attempts to thwart Catalonia’s push for independence. On October 30, following a declaration of independence, Maza filled rebellion charges against the Catalan government and those Parliament bureau members who allowed the vote on the declaration of independence to take place.

In total, 20 were accused, including deposed president Carles Puigdemont, his ministers and the president of the chamber Carme Forcadell. Maza also filed charges of sedition and misuse of public funds, among others.