Drama Unfolds as Carles Puigdemont Escapes Arrest at Rally

Former Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont defied an arrest warrant to appear at a rally in Barcelona. After a speech to thousands, he vanished, sparking a police hunt. Puigdemont, living in exile after a failed 2017 secession bid, faces charges of embezzlement but evaded capture again, causing a political uproar.

Former Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont defied an arrest warrant to make a surprising appearance at a rally in Barcelona, intensifying Spain’s political drama.

After addressing a crowd of thousands and pledging to reignite the independence movement, Puigdemont vanished, triggering a frantic police search. Despite heavy security, he managed to escape in a white car belonging to a regional police officer who was later detained.

The incident caused significant traffic disruptions and clashes between supporters and police. Puigdemont continues to evade capture, exacerbating political tensions and criticism of law enforcement. His return injects new energy into Catalonia's independence drive, yet complicates relations within Spain's central government.