Spanish Supreme Court Rejects Second Pardon for Catalan Leaders

Overview

• The Spanish Supreme Court unanimously denied a second pardon for Oriol Junqueras, Jordi Turull, Raül Romeva, and Dolors Bassa, convicted of malversation in the 2019 Catalan independence trial.
• The court stated that granting additional clemency would breach the 1870 Pardon Law, which prohibits revoking or extending partial pardons already granted.
• The 2021 partial pardon commuted their prison sentences but maintained their disqualifications from holding public office, which remain in effect.
• The court emphasized that the petitioners showed no evidence of remorse, a requirement under the pardon law for further clemency consideration.
• This decision, despite support from the Supreme Court Prosecutor’s Office, highlights ongoing tensions between Spain’s judiciary and the central government over the handling of Catalan independence leaders.