German court: Catalan ex-leader Puigdemont can be extradited for corruption, not rebellion

Carles Puigdemont, the former leader of Catalonia, under investigation over the Catalan push for independence from Spain, can be extradited on charges of corruption, but not rebellion, the German court hearing his case has ruled, RT reports.

Rebellion is not a criminal offence in Germany, the court said, and the charge of high treason was unwarranted, due to the lack of a violent aspect to Puigdemont’s actions. Proceedings to decide whether to grant extradition on corruption charges may continue, however.

The court has also ruled that Puigdemont can be released on bail of €75,000, pending the final decision. While a flight risk exists, it is lessened by the unfeasibility of the rebellion charges.