The Spanish Commission of Justice has taken an important step with the approval of a new amnesty law. This offers a broad pardon for offenses related to terrorism and embezzlement and opens new doors for Catalonia.
The law received the support of PSOE, Sumar, Junts, ERC, PNV, Bildu and Podemos with 20 votes in favour and 17 against. It marks a turning point in Spanish politics and opens new doors for Catalonia. That includes the door that offers the opportunity for Carles Puigdemont to return to Spain. Furthermore, by adjusting some legal terms, the law now complies with European standards.
A new approach to old accusations
The law, proposed by the Bolaños government in collaboration with Puigdemont, removes specific references to the Spanish Criminal Code. This means that terrorism, in the context of this amnesty, is viewed from a European definition. Moreover, serious human rights violations are excluded. The law also makes clear that crimes such as treason and embezzlement are not covered by the amnesty if they pose a direct threat to Spain’s territorial integrity or political independence. This is in accordance with international standards.
Embezzlement with conditions
Specifically, embezzlement is only covered by the amnesty if it was aimed at financing the independence process, without personal enrichment. This ensures that only actions directly related to the organisation of the independence referendums and the promotion of Catalan independence are eligible for amnesty.
The road to self-determination for Catalonia
This law opens the door for the legal handling of the independence process. It also provides an opening for further discussions about self-determination. The Catalan party Junts emphasises its ambition to go beyond legal issues and strives for self-determination for Catalonia.
Reimbursement of fines
One notable change is the refund of fines imposed during the independence process. This means financial relief for many people who have been fined for participating in demonstrations and organising the referendum.
Beginning of new era
The passage of this amnesty law marks the beginning of a new era in both Spanish and Catalan politics. The emphasis is on dialogue and the search for political solutions to long-term conflicts. The bill now goes to an extraordinary plenary session of Congress. There the further fate of this historic legislation will be determined.
Also read: Large-scale protests again in Madrid against amnesty law
