In the latest twist in Spain’s worst political crisis in four decades, a national court judge on Friday issued a European arrest warrant for Carles Puigdemont in response to a request from state prosecutors. The pro-independence government of Artur Mas defies the Madrid government and Spain’s constitutional court by holding a symbolic vote on independence. Carles Puigdemont, who has replaced Mas as regional president, announces an independence referendum will be held on 1 October. Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, fires regional president, Carles Puigdemont, and orders regional elections to be held on 21 December. Show Hide The aim of the European Arrest Warrant system is to do away with political interference in controversial extradition cases.

Source: The Guardian November 03, 2017 19:14 UTC