The German judge Puigdemont can be extradited for abuse of public funds

A German court ruled Thursday that former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont could be extradited to Spain for abuse of public funds, but he rejected a request to dismiss him for rebellion against the government. from Madrid.

Puigdemont fled to Brussels and later to Germany after the Spanish courts issued a warrant for his arrest against his role in Catalonia's declaration of independence. last October. The Madrid government has declared that it is illegal according to the Spanish constitution.

"The court decided this morning that an extradition due to the charge of misappropriation of public funds is allowed," said a spokesman .

Responding to the court's decision, prosecutors said they would soon decide whether to allow extradition of Puigdemont, who was arrested in March while he was entering. Germany.

The German court's decision comes after new Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met on Tuesday with new pro-independent Catalan leader Quim Torra as part of an initiative aimed at easing tensions between Barcelona and Madrid.