On 22 June 2021, the Spanish government passed a decision to release the imprisoned Catalan politicians. This decision is called partial pardon, which means the remainder of their prison sentences is erased, they are however barred from public affairs.

If Spain were a state governed by the rule of law, the decision would’ve declared the sentences to be unlawful and compensation would have been paid to those wrongfully imprisoned.

If Spain were a state governed by the rule of law, exiled Catalan representatives would be able to return home to Spain, without fear of imprisonment. As Spain does not recognize the decision of the General Court of the European Union to restore the parliamentary immunity of Carles Puigdemont, Tomi Comin and Clara Ponsati, this unfair risk remains.

If Spain were a state governed by the rule of law, the criminal proceedings against more than three thousand Catalans in the so-called independence trial, would be abolished as unlawful. There are many civil servants among these individuals, the rest are simple, protesting citizens.

It can be said that behind the spectacular gestures of mercy, repression continues in Spain.

The Szekler National Council continues to show solidarity with the Catalan representatives and the Catalan people. The only solution is a peaceful and fair agreement with Madrid, respecting the Catalan people’s right to self-determination.

Marosvásárhely, June 25, 2021

Izsák Balázs, President of the Szekler National Council

Photo: Twitter/@ourvoteseu