Catalan Leader Carles Puigdemont's Belgian Return After Barcelona Rally

Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont returned to Belgium after appearing at a public rally in Barcelona, despite an outstanding arrest warrant. His party's secretary general, Jordi Turull, mentioned uncertainty about Puigdemont's current whereabouts, including his home in Waterloo where he has lived in self-imposed exile since 2017.

Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont has returned to Belgium after evading capture during a public rally in central Barcelona, despite facing an outstanding arrest warrant. The news was confirmed on Friday by his party's secretary general.

Jordi Turull spoke to RAC1 radio station, explaining that he was unaware if Puigdemont had reached his Waterloo residence. Puigdemont has lived in self-imposed exile in Belgium for seven years following his leadership of Catalonia's unsuccessful 2017 bid for independence.

Puigdemont's reappearance in Barcelona has intensified discussions on the Catalan independence movement's future and Spain's legal efforts to bring him to trial.

(With inputs from agencies.)