Catalunya's president could be jailed for up to 15 years if he proceeds with an 'illegal' referendum
Sunday, September 14, 2014 @ 4:11 PM
CATALUNYA'S regional president could face 15 years in jail if he calls a referendum on independence illegally, according to the national judges' association.
Artur Mas could be accused of power-dealing, disobedience and even sedition if it is considered that a referendum - due to be held on November 9 - goes against the Spanish Constitution.
Spanish president Mariano Rajoy has already said he will not authorise the vote, and that it would flout the Magna Carta, meaning if Mas forges ahead with his plans he could be deemed to have committed a 'serious disobedience against the national government'.
This is punishable by up to 15 years behind bars, says the judges' association.
Mas would face the maximum sentence if he attempted to use the regional police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, to block any attempt to prevent the referendum on voting day.
This would be considered a 'siege' and he could be jailed for the full 15 years.
The most lenient punishment the regional president would get away with is being banned for anything from 7-10 years through to the rest of his life from holding office.
It would be up to the central government to press charges, and Rajoy has threatened to do so.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com