The trial of Catalan pro-independence leaders following the 2017 referendum doesn't need international observers. That's what Spain's attorney general, Maria José Segarra, said today, arguing they are unnecessary because it will be televised. Speaking to the press this Monday, she said that "Spanish justice is fully respectful of everyone's guarantees".
"What's more, a live broadcast will be offered, so I doubt more transparency can be offered", said Segarra, "Anyone can try to make a fuss about this international supervision, but there you have it: televised and live".
The platform International Trial Watch is preparing the final details for the arrival of the Spanish and international observers to follow the trial in the Supreme Court, Catalan public broadcaster TV3 has reported. The observers will be Spanish professors, Spanish and European legal scholars and specialists in human rights. The first group will involve specialists in penal, administrative, constitutional and trial law.
Segarra also mentioned the foreign ministry's campaign against the alleged fake news surrounding the trial: "It's obvious that, in a trial with such media interest, there will be information and disinformation," she said.
Moving the prisoners
The attorney general took part this morning in a news breakfast with Ana Botella, a junior minister in the interior ministry. Botella mentioned the transfer of the prisoners to Madrid, initially expected for this Tuesday, saying there is "good coordination with the Penitentiary Services in Catalonia".
"We'll make [the transfers] with maximum normality, efficiency and security, as always", said the interior ministry's number two, emphasising the need to "maintain the dignity of the individuals in these transfers which are complicated".