Authorities say Puigdemont return to Spain could take 'months'

Belgian authorities have said it could take three months for former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and four of his ex-ministers to be returned to Spain under a European arrest warrant.


Spanish prosecutors want to charge Mr Puigdemont with rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds over his role in the region's independence drive, but the 54-year-old is in Brussels and has ignored a summons to appear in Madrid.

A Spanish judge has issued European arrest warrants for Mr Puigdemont as well as Maria Serret Aleu, Antoni Comin Oliveres, Luis Puig Gordi and Clara Ponsati Obiols, according to the Belgian public prosecutor's office, confirming it had received them.

The prosecutor's office said that once Mr Puigedemont and his colleagues are found and brought before an investigating judge, a decision will be made within 24 hours.

"He (the judge) can decide not to issue an arrest warrant or he can issue an arrest warrant but possibly release the persons concerned under certain conditions," the office said.

If any of the accused disagree with the judge's decision they can appeal.

"The EU Framework Decision provides that the final decision must be taken within 60 days, with an extension to 90 days under exceptional circumstances," the Belgian justice ministry said in a statement.
 [rte.ie]
 4/11/17