Spain pressured to free imprisoned Catalan activists

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Spain pressured to free imprisoned Catalan activists

2018-10-17 04:39 Last Updated At：04:50

Politicians and human rights groups urged the Spanish government Tuesday to release imprisoned separatists facing rebellion and other charges from the Catalonia region's push for independence, including two activists put into pre-trial detention a year ago.

Catalan regional president Quim Torra, who favors independence from Spain, paid a visit Tuesday to Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, leaders of civil society groups ANC and Omnium Cultural, respectively.

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Catalan regional President Quim Torra, centre, holds a banner reading in Catalan "one year of shame, on year of dignity" during a protest in support of Catalonian politicians and leaders of two civil society groups who have been jailed on charges of sedition in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Oct. 16. 2018. Politicians, rights groups and citizens across Catalonia are calling for the release of jailed separatists as they mark one year since two prominent pro-independence activists, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, leaders of two civil society groups _ ANC and Omnium Cultural, respectively _ were put in pre-trial detention. (AP PhotoEmilio morenatti)

Politicians and human rights groups urged the Spanish government Tuesday to release imprisoned separatists facing rebellion and other charges from the Catalonia region's push for independence, including two activists put into pre-trial detention a year ago.

Demonstrators hold banners reading in Catalan "one year of shame, on year of dignity" during a protest in support of Catalonian politicians and leaders of two civil society groups who have been jailed on charges of sedition in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Oct. 16. 2018. Politicians, rights groups and citizens across Catalonia are calling for the release of jailed separatists as they mark one year since two prominent pro-independence activists, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, leaders of two civil society groups _ ANC and Omnium Cultural, respectively _ were put in pre-trial detention. (AP PhotoEmilio morenatti)

In the evening, hundreds of independence supporters gathered in the regional capital, Barcelona, and outside the two prisons where the separatists are held. The spouses of both activists attended the Barcelona protest flanked by Catalan officials.

Demonstrators hold a poster of Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, right, during a protest in support of Catalonian politicians and leaders of two civil society groups who have been jailed on charges of sedition in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Oct. 16. 2018. Politicians, rights groups and citizens across Catalonia are calling for the release of jailed separatists as they mark one year since two prominent pro-independence activists, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, leaders of two civil society groups _ ANC and Omnium Cultural, respectively _ were put in pre-trial detention. (AP PhotoEmilio morenatti)

The center-left government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is trying to ease tensions in the restive region while enlisting the separatists' support for his budget in the national parliament, has said it can't intervene because the case is in the hands of judges.

Demonstrators hold up posters of Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, during a protest in support of Catalonian politicians and leaders of two civil society groups who have been jailed on charges of sedition in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Oct. 16. 2018. Politicians, rights groups and citizens across Catalonia are calling for the release of jailed separatists as they mark one year since two prominent pro-independence activists, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, leaders of two civil society groups _ ANC and Omnium Cultural, respectively _ were put in pre-trial detention. Banners reads in Catalan "one year of shame, on year of dignity" (AP PhotoEmilio morenatti)

Five pro-independence leaders, including former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, fled overseas when the probe targeted them, while seven more separatists were also jailed and await trial.

Demonstrators use the light of their devices, during a protest in support of Catalonian politicians and leaders of two civil society groups who have been jailed on charges of sedition in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Oct. 16. 2018. Politicians, rights groups and citizens across Catalonia are calling for the release of jailed separatists as they mark one year since two prominent pro-independence activists, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, leaders of two civil society groups _ ANC and Omnium Cultural, respectively _ were put in pre-trial detention. Main banner reads en Catalan "Freedom". (AP PhotoEmilio Morenatti)

Demonstrators use the light of their devices, during a protest in support of Catalonian politicians and leaders of two civil society groups who have been jailed on charges of sedition in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Oct. 16. 2018. Politicians, rights groups and citizens across Catalonia are calling for the release of jailed separatists as they mark one year since two prominent pro-independence activists, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, leaders of two civil society groups _ ANC and Omnium Cultural, respectively _ were put in pre-trial detention. (AP PhotoEmilio Morenatti)

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Politicians and human rights groups urged the Spanish government Tuesday to release imprisoned separatists facing rebellion and other charges from the Catalonia region's push for independence, including two activists put into pre-trial detention a year ago.

In the evening, hundreds of independence supporters gathered in the regional capital, Barcelona, and outside the two prisons where the separatists are held. The spouses of both activists attended the Barcelona protest flanked by Catalan officials.

The center-left government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is trying to ease tensions in the restive region while enlisting the separatists' support for his budget in the national parliament, has said it can't intervene because the case is in the hands of judges.

Five pro-independence leaders, including former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, fled overseas when the probe targeted them, while seven more separatists were also jailed and await trial.

Demonstrators use the light of their devices, during a protest in support of Catalonian politicians and leaders of two civil society groups who have been jailed on charges of sedition in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Oct. 16. 2018. Politicians, rights groups and citizens across Catalonia are calling for the release of jailed separatists as they mark one year since two prominent pro-independence activists, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, leaders of two civil society groups _ ANC and Omnium Cultural, respectively _ were put in pre-trial detention. Main banner reads en Catalan "Freedom". (AP PhotoEmilio Morenatti)

Demonstrators use the light of their devices, during a protest in support of Catalonian politicians and leaders of two civil society groups who have been jailed on charges of sedition in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Oct. 16. 2018. Politicians, rights groups and citizens across Catalonia are calling for the release of jailed separatists as they mark one year since two prominent pro-independence activists, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, leaders of two civil society groups _ ANC and Omnium Cultural, respectively _ were put in pre-trial detention. (AP PhotoEmilio Morenatti)

Both played a key role in bolstering public support for a banned vote on independence held last year in Catalonia, a prosperous industrial and tourism hub in northeastern Spain.

In the evening, hundreds of independence supporters gathered in the regional capital, Barcelona, and outside the two prisons where the separatists are held. The spouses of both activists attended the Barcelona protest flanked by Catalan officials.

"They did not neutralize or weaken him," Txell Bonet, Cuixart's partner, told The Associated Press. "On the contrary, he is stronger in his convictions because they are noble and legitimate convictions."

Human rights group Amnesty International also called for Cuixart and Sanchez's "immediate release," describing their time in custody as "excessive and disproportionate."

The center-left government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is trying to ease tensions in the restive region while enlisting the separatists' support for his budget in the national parliament, has said it can't intervene because the case is in the hands of judges.

Sanchez and Cuixart were jailed on Oct. 16, 2017, just over two weeks after the banned referendum. First accused of possible sedition for their role in a tumultuous protest that hindered police efforts to stop the vote, their detention was prolonged with rebellion charges, which under Spanish law implies the use of violence.

In court appearances during the investigation, both advocated for peaceful activism and claimed they climbed on police cars the night of the protest only to call for the crowds to refrain from acting with violence.

Five pro-independence leaders, including former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, fled overseas when the probe targeted them, while seven more separatists were also jailed and await trial.

Amnesty International's statement this week only called for the release of Sanchez and Cuixart, with no reference to the other separatist leaders. The non-profit group said the rebellion charges, which can be punished with decades behind bars, are "unjustified and, therefore, should be dropped."

The minority Socialist administration needs support from small and regional parties, including the Catalan separatists, to pass next year's national budget in the parliament's lower house, a key step for Sanchez's ambition to remain in office until the current term ends in 2020.

Macron outlines his vision for Europe to become an assertive global power as war in Ukraine rages on

2024-04-26 00:49 Last Updated At：00:52

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron warned Thursday that Europe could “die” if it fails to build its own robust defense as Russia’s war in Ukraine rages on, or if it fails to undertake major trade and economic reforms to compete with China and the U.S.

Macron urged Europeans to become more ambitious in a fast-changing world to face the challenges of war, fierce trade competition, energy scarcity, climate change and increasing authoritarianism.

In a nearly two-hour speech at Sorbonne University in Paris, Macron said that the continent is divided and “too slow and lacks ambition” at a time when the 27-member European Union needs to become a superpower, defend its own borders and speak with one voice if it wants to survive and thrive.

“Our Europe today is mortal,” Macron said. “It can die and that depends solely on our choices,” he added. He called on people to make those choices now because, “it’s today that Europe is between war and peace.”

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year, is an existential threat and Europe isn't armed enough to defend itself when “confronted by a power like Russia that has no inhibitions, no limits,” Macron said.

‘Our ability to ensure our security is at stake," Macron said. “Russia mustn’t be allowed to win.”

Europe now has the “good fortune” of having the Biden administration’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, Macron said. But, in a year of key elections around Europe, in the U.S. and elsewhere, support may fragment or disappear entirely, he added.

“Europe must become capable of defending its interests, with its allies by our side whenever they are willing, and alone if necessary,” Macron said.

Strong armies, a European rapid intervention program and force, tanks, a missile shield and other weapons, produced in Europe, will need the support of “a joint diplomatic force that will speak with one voice and build bridges with Africa and Latin America,” the French leader said.

“Only then will Europe show that it's not a United States’ lap dog, and that it also knows how to talk to other regions of the world,” he said.

France has been a firm supporter of Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, and Macron has often clashed with other Western leaders as he has insisted that Europe must stand by the country at any cost. The French president alarmed European leaders by saying recently that sending Western troops into Ukraine to shore up its defenses shouldn’t be ruled out.

Referring to trade practices of China and the U.S., Macron said “the two world powers have decided not to respect the rules of global trade” by shoring up protections and subsides while Europe’s industry remains open and is stuck in overregulation.

“Let’s do the same, we are in competition,” Macron said.

“We must buy faster, we must produce more and we must buy more that is made in Europe. That is key,” Macron said.

Thursday's speech came less than two months before a pivotal European Parliament election.

Macron, an avid advocate of a united and assertive Europe, also rallied support for his centrist Renaissance party before the June 6-9 vote as far-right parties lead the moderate coalitions in the polls. He called for safeguarding democratic values as the “authoritarian model” was becoming “more popular” across the continent.

The war in Ukraine and immigration are top priorities for European Union voters, according to polls. Far-right parties have gained support by criticizing Macron’s government policies on both issues. Macron acknowledged divisions on immigration policies, including on asylum and deportation rules for those who have arrived to Europe illegally.

He emphasized the need for an effective response and Europe-wide coordination for curbing illegal immigration, closer cooperation with immigrants' countries of origin and a unified, relentless fight against human traffickers.

Macron criticized the idea of striking an agreement, as Britain as done, with countries in Africa and elsewhere to transfer immigrants there.

“This is a betrayal of our values that ultimately leads us to dependency on other counties,” Macron said.

The British government earlier this week approved a law allowing the deportation of some migrants who enter the country illegally to Rwanda.

Macron lost his majority in France’s most influential house of parliament, the National Assembly, after the 2022 election to the far-left coalition and the far-right National Rally party.

The social situation in France remains tense as Paris prepares to host the Olympic Games this summer, amid protests from teachers and police officers, and farmer demonstrations in recent weeks. The protests follow huge rallies last year against Macron’s ultimately successful proposal to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64.

Barbara Surk reported from Nice, France. Lorne Cook contributed to this report from Brussels.

Spain pressured to free imprisoned Catalan activists

News

Spain pressured to free imprisoned Catalan activists

Politicians and human rights groups urged the Spanish government Tuesday to release imprisoned separatists facing rebellion and other charges from the Catalonia region's push for independence, including two activists put into pre-trial detention a year ago.

In the evening, hundreds of independence supporters gathered in the regional capital, Barcelona, and outside the two prisons where the separatists are held. The spouses of both activists attended the Barcelona protest flanked by Catalan officials.

The center-left government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is trying to ease tensions in the restive region while enlisting the separatists' support for his budget in the national parliament, has said it can't intervene because the case is in the hands of judges.

Five pro-independence leaders, including former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, fled overseas when the probe targeted them, while seven more separatists were also jailed and await trial.

Politicians and human rights groups urged the Spanish government Tuesday to release imprisoned separatists facing rebellion and other charges from the Catalonia region's push for independence, including two activists put into pre-trial detention a year ago.

In the evening, hundreds of independence supporters gathered in the regional capital, Barcelona, and outside the two prisons where the separatists are held. The spouses of both activists attended the Barcelona protest flanked by Catalan officials.

The center-left government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is trying to ease tensions in the restive region while enlisting the separatists' support for his budget in the national parliament, has said it can't intervene because the case is in the hands of judges.

Five pro-independence leaders, including former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, fled overseas when the probe targeted them, while seven more separatists were also jailed and await trial.

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