Catalonian ex-president hands himself over to Belgian police

Madrid Nov 5 (IANS) Former President of Catalonia Carles Puigdemont on Sunday handed himself in to the Belgian police accompanied by his lawyer according to Efe news agency.

Spain has issued an arrest warrant for the former regional who is wanted by Madrid for actions related to his push for secession from Spain.

Puigdemont travelled to Belgium after Madrid took control of the region and now faces charges of rebellion sedition misuse of public funds disobedience and breach of trust relating to the secessionist campaign.

On Saturday Puigdemont called for a united Catalan political front in the face of the forthcoming elections. On Thursday nine members of his sacked cabinet were ordered by Spain s high court to be held on remand pending an investigation and potential trial.

--IANS
ahm/bg