PSOE and Unidas Podemos present a bill removing the crime of sedition from the Criminal Code and introducing changes to the crime of public disturbance

The Explanatory Statement for the bill argues that the crime of sedition is obsolete and not in line with the legislation of other countries; as such, it should be abolished and other crimes revised. The bill also includes changes to the crime of public disturbance. In the first place, it introduces the element of intimidation and criminalises the invasion of facilities or buildings, as well as the blocking of public roads when it jeopardises the life or health of individuals. The aggravated form of the offence establishes sentences of three to five years and is applicable if the actions are carried out by a crowd that due to its size, organisation and purpose can seriously affect public order. The aggravated charge also carries periods of disqualification from public office ranging between six and eight years. A few days later, Pedro Sánchez, the president of the Spanish government, says in an interview with La Vanguardia newspaper that he’s convinced Carles Puigdemont will appear before the Spanish courts and will be held accountable for the ‘crimes committed in 2017.’ In another interview, Spanish Economy Minister Nadia Calviño speaks of ‘the difficulties in extraditing Puigdemont, which is the goal we all share’.