The Spanish National Court's criminal chamber has ordered former Catalan President Artur Mas's lawsuit, concerning "Operation Catalonia" and Pegasus spyware, to return to Barcelona courts. This decision overturns the previous dismissal of the case, allowing Barcelona courts to determine its admissibility.
The court has instructed the investigating judge to transfer the case to Barcelona. Local courts must now assess their jurisdiction over the alleged events and decide if sufficient grounds exist to open a criminal investigation. This development marks a significant step in a long-running political and legal saga.
Background to the Lawsuit
Months ago, a Spanish National Court judge initially rejected the lawsuit. Mas had filed it against several high-profile figures. These included former Spanish Interior Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz, former Popular Party Secretary-General María Dolores de Cospedal, former Secretary of State Fernando Martínez, and members of the "patriotic police" and former CNI officials. The magistrate argued that the alleged facts had either expired or were already under investigation in other proceedings, such as the Pegasus case. He also claimed insufficient evidence existed to open a criminal case, stating it relied on "mere suspicions" and journalistic reports. Additionally, the judge maintained the Spanish National Court lacked jurisdiction.
Allegations of Political Persecution
However, the criminal chamber now believes the decision on jurisdiction rests with Barcelona courts. The chamber has avoided ruling on the merits of the case itself. The body that ultimately takes on the case will need to analyse these details. Mas's lawsuit alleges that Mariano Rajoy's government initiated "Operation Catalonia" to politically harm him. This alleged persecution involved fabricating evidence using police structures. Mas attributes several crimes to the accused. These include criminal organisation, embezzlement, document forgery, revealing secrets, and computer espionage.
What Happens Next
The return of the lawsuit to Barcelona courts means a new phase begins. These courts will now face the complex task of evaluating the evidence and legal arguments. They must decide whether to proceed with an investigation into the serious allegations of state-sponsored political espionage and evidence fabrication. This decision will have significant implications for the individuals named and for the broader political discourse in Catalonia and Spain.
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Originally published by VilaWeb Feed. Read original article.
