The Court of Justice of the European Union backed the Spanish amnesty law on Thursday, ruling that it does not contravene EU rules on financial interests or terrorism.
Judges in Luxembourg answered preliminary questions from the Court of Accounts and the National Court. They determined that extinguishing accounting liability for diversion of public funds for the Procés does not affect the EU budget, since those resources did not come from European funds.
In the case of terrorism offenses attributed to CDR members, the court noted that the European directive does not oppose an amnesty that excludes acts causing serious human rights violations. The ruling describes the measure as an appropriate instrument to facilitate political reconciliation.
The decision clears the way for immediate application of the amnesty to those prosecuted by the Court of Accounts and the National Court. However, the cases of Carles Puigdemont and Oriol Junqueras remain pending resolution by the Spanish Constitutional Court, expected in the autumn.
The Spanish government welcomed the European backing. Independence leaders called for immediate application by national courts and warned that the political conflict continues.
