The European Union's top court ruled on Thursday that a disputed Spanish law granting amnesty to those involved in Catalonia's separatist drive does not violate European Union rules. The court stated that the law breaches neither EU nor anti-terror rules, providing a political boost to the Spanish government and its Catalan allies.
The amnesty, introduced in 2024 by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government, applies to politicians and individuals who held a referendum for the region's independence in 2017. This deal allowed Prime Minister Sanchez to remain in office in 2023, although it prompted major protests from the opposition.
Despite the court's ruling, the arrest warrant for Puigdemont remains in place. The warrant will stand until the Constitutional Court reaches a decision regarding his appeal.