Because the Puigdemont was released by Italy at the request of Spain who wants his extradition. The former Catalan separatist was the main figure in the secession attempt in 2017.
Carles Puigdemont will have spent less than 24 hours in detention. The former Catalan president was released from his free Italian prison on Friday, September 24. He is authorized to return to Belgium where he has lived in exile since 2017. The current MEP, whose lifting of parliamentary immunity is the subject of an appeal, was arrested in Italy on Thursday. He is still accused of sedition and embezzlement by Spain, which issued a European arrest warrant against him.
Four years ago, he organized a referendum for self-determination in Catalonia despite its ban by the Spanish courts. Friday morning, the Prime Minister said he was satisfied with this arrest. Immediately, demonstrations of support were organized in Barcelona in front of the Italian consulate. At the announcement of his release at the end of the day, separatists said they were relieved. Carles’ extradition file Puigdemont will be reviewed on October 4 in Italy. Spain and the Catalonia negotiate currently the future of the region.