prisons

Authorities do not rule out police intervention to ensure prison stability if demonstrations escalate

Over 1,200 prisoners were confined throughout the day as staff rallied after colleague's death

Spanish Supreme Court says allowing jailed independence leaders out could be 'breach of official duty' and they would investigate officials

President Torra supports them before leaving Catalonia as dozens rally outside penitentiaries

Trial against them will be held in Spanish capital; judges' decision a sign that hearings will kick off soon

Ousted People’s Party warns Socialists not to “interfere” in judiciary amid prison transfer debate

Javi López says a priority of the new Sánchez government is “restoring political dialogue with Catalonia”

Newly elected Catalan leader has pledged he will offer to reinstate sacked Catalan ministers

Josep Lluís Núñez Clemente – aged 83 – and his son – who had been Director of the family company – have been accused of bribing tax inspectors in the 1990s regarding their private business and have entered jail this weekend for a 2 year sentence. Núñez senior chaired FC Barcelona between 1978 and 2000 but his sentence has nothing to do with the famous sports club's activities. After one of the longest judicial processes in Spain's history, Núñez senior and his son were initially convicted in July 2011 with 6 years in prison and a €2 million fine. They were accused of bribing tax inspectors with €1 million in order to avoid paying more than €13 million in taxes between 1991 and 1999, and of forging official documents. However, they appealed the decision and the Spanish Supreme Court reduced their prison time. They filed a last appeal to avoid going to prison but in October 2014 Barcelona's High Court ratified their imprisonment. Considering Núñez senior's age, he could be granted day parole in a few weeks.

Prison employee unions and the Catalan Government, which manages all prisons in Catalonia, have carried an arm wrestling over the past few weeks. Trade unions have been impeding access to some Catalan prisons on three occasions: in early December and this week. The Government claims these actions are illegal, represent a risk and refuses to negotiate under this threat. Unions are mainly protesting over salary cuts and a lack of human resources.

The 3-week course designed for Iraqi penitentiary workers ended today. The course aimed to strengthen democracy within Iraqi prisons and included visits to prisons in Barcelona.