Parliamentary majority denounces criminalisation of Catalan independence camp

The majority of lawmakers in the Catalan parliament denounced the imprisonment of seven pro-independence activists accused of terrorism. Pro-independence Junts per Catalunya, CUP and ERC, along with Catalunya en Comú Podem – which is in favour of a referendum but not explicitly of independence – signed a joint document after the parliamentary session on Thursday.

The text reads as follows:

“The spokespeople’s committee denounces the campaign of criminalisation of the democratic and civic pro-independence camp, and the attempt to liken independence with terrorism.

We reject violence and insist on using democratic paths to achieve legitimate political aims.

We reject the operation launched by Spain’s National Court and Guardia Civil police, and the violation of fundamental rights, especially the right to the presumption of innocence of the seven citizens who will enter jail without bail on September 26, 2019 at the National Court’s request, and we denounce the repressive and authoritarian drive of the state.

The spokespeople’s committee insists on Parliament’s commitment to freedom and democracy, and the defense of the exercise of civil and political rights for all citizens of Catalonia.

We demand the end of the repression and the freedom for the people persecuted and jailed for their political ideas.”