Fact Check: Former Separatist Leader Puigdemont Remains Excluded from the Amnesty Benefits
What We Know
The Spanish Constitutional Court recently upheld an amnesty law that pardons numerous Catalan separatists involved in the independence movement from 2012 to 2023. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, particularly concerning the implications for former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont. According to reports, Puigdemont is excluded from the amnesty benefits due to ongoing legal issues, including allegations of embezzlement related to the referendum funds (Reuters, Euractiv, DW).
Analysis
The claim that Puigdemont remains excluded from the amnesty benefits is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The Spanish Constitutional Court's ruling explicitly states that the amnesty does not apply to Puigdemont due to his pending legal cases, which include serious charges such as embezzlement (Euractiv, DW).
The sources cited are credible, including major news outlets like Reuters and DW, which are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards. They provide a clear account of the court's decision and its implications for Puigdemont, indicating that his legal troubles prevent him from benefiting from the amnesty law. Additionally, the European Commission has expressed concerns regarding the law, highlighting the complex political landscape surrounding this issue, but this does not alter the fact of Puigdemont's exclusion (Reuters, Euractiv).
Conclusion
The verdict is True. Carles Puigdemont is indeed excluded from the amnesty benefits as confirmed by the Spanish Constitutional Court's ruling. His ongoing legal issues, particularly the embezzlement charges, are the primary reasons for this exclusion.
