Former Catalan Leader Released after Paying $91K Bail
Local Editor
Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont was released from a German prison after paying a bail of $91566 USD.
A court in Schleswig-Holstein decided that Puigdemont could go free pending a decision on whether to extradite him to Spain, but that he cannot be expelled on the most serious charge against him which is organizing the campaign for Catalonian independence.
It would only be possible on a charge of misuse of public funds, the court ruled.
However, the court's decision is a setback for Spanish efforts to crack down on the separatist movement.
Schleswig's state prosecutor said the former Catalan leader may immediately leave the jail where he has been held since last month.
The 55-year-old has provided authorities with an address in Germany where he will live pending a decision in his extradition case.
Puigdemont was arrested last month on a Spanish-issued arrest warrant as he entered Germany from Denmark.
He has been living in exile since his regional government last year attempted to declare independence from Madrid. Spain is seeking his extradition for rebellion and misuse of public funds in organizing the unauthorized vote.
The ruling allows Puigdemont to move freely in Germany pending any decision on his extradition.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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