Catalonia's top court summons Torra to testify in second disobedience trial on July 29

President charged for not removing banner in favor of jailed leaders from government HQ last September 

Catalan president Quim Torra at an event in Lleida on June 26, 2020 (by Laura Cortés)
Catalan president Quim Torra at an event in Lleida on June 26, 2020 (by Laura Cortés) / ACN

ACN | Barcelona

July 16, 2020 12:48 PM

Catalonia's top court has summoned President Torra to testify in a hearing on July 29 as part of the second case of "disobedience" against him for failing to remove a sign in favor of the jailed independence leaders.

On September 23, the court gave Torra 48 hours to remove the banner. It was eventually taken down on September 27, after the 48 hour period had passed, and following the electoral board threatening to send the Catalan police to enforce their ruling.

Previous trial

Torra was already tried and convicted, pending appeal, for a similar case. He was accused of defying orders from Spain’s Electoral Authority to remove a yellow ribbon showing support for the jailed Catalan leaders, during the run up to the Spanish General Election in April.

As part of his conviction Torra was sentenced to 18 months political disqualification. The fallout from this led to Torra being stripped of his MP status and the president saying he would call a snap election once a budget is passed, a plan that was put on ice with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.