A Scottish judge decided to postpone the decision regarding the extradition of the former Minister of education of Catalonia. Clara Ponsati appeared in Edinburgh Sheriff court today where her lawyer Aamer Anwar defended her right to freedom and condemned the decision of Spain to hold political prisoners. Sputnik spoke to Aamer anwer about the case.
Companion: how did things go at the meeting on Thursday, are you satisfied with the result?
Aamer a: Yes, we are very happy. At today’s hearing, we advised the court that we intend to fight extradition on many grounds. Including, fundamentally, that the Spanish authorities guilty of abuse of process and a full hearing will take place on 30 July for two weeks with preliminary hearings in may and July.
In summary, we argue that we want to charge the validity of the warrant, the evidence shows that there was no crimes committed Clara Ponsati. Crimes of a violent uprising does not exist in Scottish law. We will also argue that the warrant was issued for the purpose of prosecution Clara for her political beliefs, and that if she returns to Spain, it would be unjust, oppressive and incompatible with her human rights.
Companion: You condemned the treatment of major Josep Luis Trapero — do you think that the fact that Germany and Scotland, admitted the charges of ‘sedition’ this can have an impact on sentencing Pablo Trapero?
Aamer a: I believe that when the Spanish government started on this mission (which looks very similar to the attempt to criminalize the aspirations of the Catalan people for independence); they really don’t understand what retaliation is. They didn’t realize there would be such an international control of the Spanish authorities, because up until they started this process, many people don’t even know what’s going on in Catalonia. It was a real shock to the people throughout Europe because most people believe that this is what happens in places like the middle East or in third world countries. But it actually happens in so-called civilized European democracy. Therefore, they are under the glare of publicity, and I think it’s shocking the way that this police officer is being treated when he was destined as a hero after the attack of Barcelona. His staff put themselves in the line of fire, putting their lives in danger, and he did what a police officer should do. He took an oath to serve the law, serve the public. It is the job of the police, especially the police chief, just to follow orders that are unlawful and illegal that means sending batons, batons, riot police vans in the peaceful crowd.
Companion: what do you expect from the 30th of July at the full hearing?
Aamer a: we are determined to fight, and our guide, to fight on behalf of Clara. We believe that this order is politically motivated persecution Clara. She is accused of organizing the violence, but they can’t point to a single act of violence or incitement that it’s actually to do with her. They didn’t say anything about the actions of several thousand Spanish policemen and six thousand the state security forces, who carried out unprovoked attacks on civilians Catalans. We recognize that we have an uphill struggle, but we are determined to fight. Clara Ponsati full of determination and resolve. She said that she realizes that she is fighting for their freedom.
In conclusion, if Clara will be extradited and convicted, she faces up to thirty-three years in prison, which is actually the rest of his life. And she realizes that her destiny is tied to the struggle of the Spanish people for freedom. Of course, we are determined to fight, and our client is determined to do so.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
