Carles Puigdemont Returns to Catalonia After Self-Exile, Sought by Spanish Police

Catalonia's police have launched an operation to locate and arrest Carles Puigdemont after the former regional leader returned to Spain for the first time in seven years of self-exile. Upon his arrival, Puigdemont addressed a large crowd in Barcelona before disappearing again.

The Spanish parliament approved an amnesty for separatist leaders, but the Supreme Court ruled that it does not extend to Puigdemont and others facing charges of embezzlement. Additionally, a judge investigating separatists suspected of possible ties to Russia decided in early July that the amnesty does not apply to defendants in the case, including former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont.

Since Puigdemont holds a public office as a lawmaker, the judge has referred the case to the Supreme Court, requesting them to take over the investigation into charges of treason.