Catalan chief faces trial during his electoral campaign

THE President of the Government of Catalonia Quim Torra will face trial over the controversy surrounding his refusal to take down yellow ribbons from public buildings during his electoral campaign.

The Catalan regional high court has made the steps after due to the premier’s “disobedience” over his refusal to remove the politically charged symbols from buildings across the region.

The yellow ribbon is a symbol of support of Catalonia’s breakaway bid from Spain and has been used as the catalyst for breakaway supporters to be imprisoned.

Torra admitted to the crown court that he deliberately disobeyed orders to remove the ribbons as he answers to the higher power of the people.

The Catalan leader faces two possible trials, either for the crime of disobedience or failure to provide assistance, both of which have serious financial implications and involve a suspended period away from his post for up to three years.