The court in Brussels which has to decide on the extradition of Carles Puigdemont and Toni Comín has postponed the hearing until 3rd February.
The two Catalan politicians appeared in court as summonsed today, when it was decided to suspend proceedings until a verdict has been returned on the appeal about their immunity. Thursday this week will see the decision on Oriol Junqueras's immunity.
Puigdemont and Comín's lawyers argue that until it's clarified whether they are immune or not, it doesn't make sense to reach a decision on the European Arrest Warrant.
The lawyers also argue that the court should suspend the procedure against Lluís Puig, who didn't stand in the European election. He is only charged with misuse of public funds in the reactivated extradition requests.
"We respect the decisions the judges take and we're at their disposition for whatever they decide," Puigdemont said outside court. He restated his belief in the independence of the judiciary and the guarantees Brussels offers them: "It's in the justice system where our rights are most guaranteed."
Lawyer Gonzalo Boye limited himself to announcing the postponing of the hearing. "There was no opposition from any of the parties", he said, adding that they trust the European court will have announced its rulings by the time of the rescheduled hearing.
Waiting for Junqueras too
This Thursday, the Court of Justice of the European Union will announce its ruling in the case of Oriol Junqueras, similar but not identical to that of Puigdemont and Comín.
That decision could shed light on their case, but their lawyers say it isn't the only path for them to be recognised as MEPs and enjoy the corresponding parliamentary immunity.
If there is no decision on Thursday, the Belgian judge will ask the European court if Puigdemont and Comín have immunity.