Catalan politician must remain in jail during rebellion inquiry

Spanish supreme court rules against freeing ousted vice-president Oriol Junqueras

File photograph of the sacked Catalan vice-president Oriol Junqueras in Madrid, Spain. File photograph: AP Photo/Paul White
File photograph of the sacked Catalan vice-president Oriol Junqueras in Madrid, Spain. File photograph: AP Photo/Paul White

Spanish supreme court judges have ruled against allowing ousted Catalan vice-president Oriol Junqueras out of jail while he is investigated for rebellion and other charges stemming from Catalonia's drive for independence.

Judges said there was a risk that Mr Junqueras might commit further crimes, as there was no sign he intended changing his ways.

The pro-secession Mr Junqueras is one of several members of the sacked Catalan cabinet held on provisional charges following a declaration of independence on October 1st last year.

Other cabinet members, including ex-Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, are fugitives in Brussels.

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Mr Junqueras had hoped to be released to take part in Catalonia's new parliament following recent elections imposed by Spain in which secessionist parties won the most seats. – PA