Puigdemont's Daring Escape: The Catalan Leader's Continued Defiance

Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont made a daring escape back to Belgium on Friday, eluding Spanish authorities who had issued an arrest warrant. His party confirmed his safe return.

Junts General Secretary Jordi Turull, speaking to RAC1 radio, admitted uncertainty about Puigdemont's exact whereabouts but revealed the leader's brief reappearance in Barcelona. The episode has infuriated conservative opponents and complicated matters for Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who already faces backlash for an amnesty deal with separatists.

Turull warned that Junts might withdraw support from Sanchez's minority government unless the amnesty law also covers Puigdemont and others charged with embezzlement. The controversy stems from Puigdemont's role in the 2017 independence referendum, ruled illegal by Spanish courts. Meanwhile, questions loom over Sanchez's administration and Catalan police for failing to apprehend Puigdemont. Supreme Court Judge Pablo Llarena has demanded explanations from relevant authorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)