Spain's Parliament is poised to give its initial approval to a contentious amnesty bill on Thursday. The bill aims to pardon crimes, both proven and alleged, committed by Catalan separatists during a tumultuous attempt to hold an independence referendum six years ago.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has championed the amnesty as a means to move forward from a secession attempt by former leaders of Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain known for its Catalan language and culture.
However, the bill has faced opposition from millions of Spaniards who believe that those responsible for one of Spain's major political crises should be held accountable for charges such as embezzlement and inciting public disorder.
The crisis unfolded in 2017 when Catalonia's regional administration, led by Carles Puigdemont, organized a referendum on independence against the orders of the national government and a ruling from Spain's top court.
Madrid dispatched police to halt the referendum, leading to clashes with protesters. Despite the Catalan Parliament declaring independence, it received no international recognition. Puigdemont and other officials fled into exile.
The amnesty bill has caused deep divisions, with Sánchez granting pardons to nine Catalan independence leaders previously. However, the broader amnesty proposal has sparked controversy.
Sánchez agreed to the amnesty to secure support from two Catalan separatist parties following a hung national election last July.
If the bill receives approval in the lower house, it will face further procedural challenges in the Senate, where a conservative majority is expected to reject it.
The bill's fate remains uncertain, with critics questioning its constitutionality and its potential impact on the rule of law in Spain.
The application of the amnesty, if passed, will be determined by the courts on a case-by-case basis, potentially affecting hundreds or even thousands of individuals in Catalonia.
Thursday's vote comes amid heightened political uncertainty in Spain, with Catalonia's regional leader calling for early elections, further complicating the political landscape.
Spain has a history of granting amnesties, notably during its transition to democracy after the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. However, legal experts remain divided on the legality and implications of an amnesty specifically tailored for Catalan separatists.
