Spain's Constitutional Court to Rule on Controversial Catalan Amnesty Law

Spain's Constitutional Court Weighs in on Catalan Amnesty Law: A Draft Ruling Sparks Debate Madrid, Spain – A draft ruling from Spain's Constitutional Court is causing a stir, proposing to uphold the constitutionality of the Amnesty Law concerning crimes related to Catalonia's independence movement. This law, fiercely opposed by Spain's right wing since its inception, aims to pardon individuals involved in the 2017 Catalan independence referendum and subsequent events. The court's apparent support for the law has ignited intense debate across the political spectrum. The draft ruling, obtained by elDiario.es, is the subject of a recent "Mano a mano" discussion featuring prominent legal experts Javier Pérez Royo and Esperanza Gómez. In the video, Gómez states, "The legislator can do anything that is not prohibited by the Constitution. Amnesty is not prohibited." Royo adds, highlighting the constitutional basis for amnesty, "Amnesty is in the Constitution, not just anywhere, but in the part that regulates the exercise of legislative power by the Cortes Generales." The implications of the ruling are far-reaching, potentially impacting not only the legal status of those involved in the independence movement but also the broader political landscape of Spain. The right wing's strong opposition underscores the deep divisions within the country regarding Catalan independence and the use of amnesty as a political tool. The final ruling from the Constitutional Court is eagerly awaited, and its consequences will undoubtedly shape Spain's political future. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of balancing legal principles with political realities in a deeply divided nation.