The Spanish Supreme Court has authorised the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's police force, to destroy most of the material seized during the controversial 1 October 2017 independence referendum. This decision follows a request from the Directorate-General of the Generalitat Police, as reported by El Periódico and confirmed by VilaWeb.
Conditions for Destruction
The criminal chamber's ruling permits the destruction of items, but mandates the preservation of one or two samples from each category. A justice administration lawyer must oversee the operation, drawing up a report for the Supreme Court. This report will include the preserved samples.
To execute the measure, the court has ordered all seized material, currently held in various police facilities across Catalonia, to be consolidated at the Mossos' central headquarters in Sabadell. Additionally, the High Court of Justice of Catalonia must appoint an official to supervise the process.
Background to the 1-O Referendum
The 1 October 2017 independence referendum, deemed illegal by the Spanish government, led to significant political and social upheaval in Catalonia and across Spain. Police operations on that day resulted in numerous seizures of ballot boxes, voting papers, and other related materials. These actions aimed to prevent the vote from taking place.
The referendum saw widespread participation despite the Spanish state's efforts to block it, with images of police intervention at polling stations garnering international attention. The event remains a highly sensitive and defining moment in recent Catalan history, influencing subsequent political developments.
Legal Implications
This ruling marks a significant step in processing the aftermath of the referendum, allowing for the disposal of evidence while ensuring a record remains. The court's decision balances the need for police to manage seized items with the judicial requirement for accountability and potential future review.
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Originally published by VilaWeb Feed. Read original article.
