Madrid investigates Russian involvement in Catalonia's attempt to secede from Spain
Archive photo: Madrid is investigating Russia's involvement in the attempted secession of Catalonia (Getty Images)
Law enforcement officials have launched an investigation into Russia's possible interference in the events around Catalonia, where an attempt was made to declare independence from Spain in 2017, according to Deutsche Welle.
The case was initiated based on numerous facts collected in recent years by the Spanish special services.
The head of Barcelona's Investigative Court No. 1, Joaquin Aguirre, believes that Russia supported the separatists.
The suspects in the case are 11 Catalan politicians and officials, including former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and his closest associates.
Aguirre added that Russia wants to destabilize the European Union politically and economically, as the Kremlin has made similar attempts against other countries.
What is it about
In 2017, Catalonia held a referendum on independence, which the Spanish government recognized as illegal. Nevertheless, the Catalan parliament declared independence, which led to the intervention of the Spanish authorities.
Madrid took direct control of the region, dissolving the Catalan government. Separatist leaders were arrested, and some, including Carles Puigdemont, fled abroad to avoid prosecution.
Russia tries to influence Europe
The Kremlin is engaged in malicious activities and tries to influence European countries.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the next targets of Russian aggression could be the Baltic States, Poland, or the Balkans.
