Ex-Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont turns himself in to Belgian police as prosecutors consider Spain’s arrest warrant
The ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has handed himself in to police in Belgium along with four former ministers.
A European arrest warrant was issued by Spain, where the government sacked him as leader of the region following the independence referendum.
A judge will decide by Monday morning whether to execute the warrant.
Read more: Catalonia tries to avoid repeating history
The referendum on Catalonia’s independence was deemed illegal by the Spanish courts, but went ahead amid scuffles with authorities. There was 90 per cent support for the region breaking away but on a turn out of only 43 per cent.
The Spanish government last week took back control over the autonomous region. Puigdemont travelled to Belgium and has said he will not return unless he’s guaranteed a fair trial.
Read more: Spain’s state prosecutor calls for charges against Catalan leaders
The charges against him are rebellion, sedition, misuse of public funds, disobedience and breach of trust.
The other politicians include, former agriculture minister Meritxell, former health minister Antoni Comin, former culture minister Lluis Puig and former education minister Clara Ponsati.