Catalan Leader Puigdemont's Dramatic Barcelona Appearance and Disappearance

Carles Puigdemont, former Catalan separatist leader, made a bold appearance at a rally in Barcelona, defying an arrest warrant after seven years of exile. He spoke to thousands, emphasizing the ongoing fight for independence, and then vanished, evading capture. His actions have amplified political tensions in Spain.

Carles Puigdemont, the former Catalan separatist leader, defied an arrest warrant to appear at a rally in Barcelona on Thursday, following seven years of self-imposed exile. Despite a significant police presence, Puigdemont managed to address thousands of supporters in the Catalan capital and then disappeared before police could apprehend him.

Speaking from a platform near the Catalan parliament, Puigdemont energized a crowd of followers, reaffirming the independence drive that caused a political crisis in Spain seven years ago. He declared, "Today, many thought they'd be celebrating my arrest, and thought that this punishment would dissuade us - and you. Today I came to remind them that we are still here! We are still here because we have no right to quit."

After the rally, senior officials from Puigdemont's Junts party and members of the Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya led a march to the Catalan parliament, while journalists tried to spot if Puigdemont was among them. The day's events concluded with heightened confusion and speculation about his whereabouts. Despite efforts, Puigdemont evaded capture, prompting condemnation from the far-right Vox party and confirmation from Catalan authorities that roadblocks have been set up to locate him.

(With inputs from agencies.)