Pere Comín, brother of Toni Comín, one of the Catalan ministers in exile, died this Monday in Leuven (Belgium) after a long illness. Given his bad prognosis, Comín decided to travel to Belgium to spend his last days with his siblings and mother, El Nacional has learnt.
If Toni Comín had returned to Spain, he would have been arrested and imprisoned awaiting trial on charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds like his colleagues. In Belgium, however, where he has lived since early November last year, he is free, after the withdrawal of the extradition warrant against him.
After the news emerged, a number of politicians took to Twitter to express their sympathy.
(Translation) President Quim Torra: Dear Toni and Betona Comín, receive a great embrace and all possible affection at a difficult, sad time. To the rawness of exile is added the rawness of life. I'm with you in your emotion. May your brother rest in peace.
Catalan Parliament speaker Roger Torrent: Much strength and all love for Toni Comín and family. May the earth rest lightly on you, Pere, a great embrace.
Vice-president Pere Aragonès: Much strength Toni Comín and the whole family at this difficult time of family pain aggravated by an unjust exile. A great embrace.
Musician and former deputy Lluís Llach: Dear Toni, your brother wanted to die in Leuven, with you and your family. The deepest condolences for the whole Comín family. A horror tinged with poetry. Hugs and kisses.
Elisenda Paluzie, president of ANC: Dear Betona Comín, my colleague on ANC's board, dear Toni Comín, minister, deputy in exile, condolences from myself and the whole organisation on the death of your brother Pere.
Actress Sílvia Bel: I expect wonders // on every corner. // There is joy // in the air. // The sun fills // my eyes. // My sign // is a line // against the sun, // a point on the horizon.
Minister Alba Vergés: A strong embrace and my condolences for Toni Comín and his family at such a difficult time. We will never forget the added insult that you've had to overcome to be together.
Minister Ester Capella: Much strength and all love, Toni Comín, a strong embrace for the whole family.
PDeCAT president David Bonvehí: My deepest condolences and a strong embrace for the loss of your brother, minister Toni Comín and Betona Comin. Extend them to your mother and your sister Maria. It's very unfair that you cannot live these tough times together and where you want.
Fellow exiled minister Meritxell Serret: Dear friend Toni Comín, today exile is more unjust than yesterday. An embrace for you and all your family. "And if fate carries you far away, // may the gods protect the path for you, // may the birds accompany you, // may the stars caress you."