Catalan ombudsman demands release of jailed leaders

The Catalan ombudsman, Rafael Ribó, says all pro-independence leaders imprisoned in Madrid should be “immediately” released while awaiting “a trial with all guarantees and a final verdict.” There are currently nine people in pre-trial jail facing criminal charges for their role in the independence bid.

Ribó met the Catalan parliament speaker Roger Torrent to present the main conclusions of his latest report, The violation of fundamental rights and public freedoms as a result of the judicial reaction following October 1 and direct rule. (La vulneració de drets fonamentals i llibertats públiques en ocasió de la reacció penal a partir de l'1-O i l'aplicació del 155)

Ribó asks for a “constructive dialogue” in order to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict between Catalonia and Spain. He says the solution must go far beyond institutional politics, and also include “civil societies in Catalonia and the rest of the State,” as well as figures from all across the political spectrum.

The ombudsman also referred to recent tensions on Catalan beaches and other public spaces over symbols in support of jailed leaders, strongly rejected by unionist supporters. Ribó said that coexistence in Catalonia is a “treasure that should be preserved,” and urged people not to “manipulate it for partisan reasons.”