Imprisoned Catalan ministers Joaquim Forn and Josep Rull have announced this Monday that they're joining the indefinite hunger strike started by Jordi Sànchez and Jordi Turull this weekend. Following the announcement, Catalan society and political class have shown their support for the two political prisoners as they embark on their strike.
The first to react to the news were the minister in exile Clara Ponsatí and her lawyer, Aamer Anwar. Anwar criticised European leaders for their silence over Catalonia in a tweet accompanied by the recent photograph of the current Catalan political prisoners and one of former president Lluís Companys and colleagues who were imprisoned for rebellion following their declaration of the Catalan republic. Companys would later be executed by the Franco regime.
ERC's national secretary, Marta Rovira, in exile in Switzerland, posted her own message of support which reads, in translation: "Much energy too to our friends Josep Rull and Quim Forn. We're with you!".
Various of Rull and Forn's party colleagues have also made their own expressions of support, including the first deputy speaker of the Catalan Parliament, Josep Costa; PDeCAT's general coordinator, David Bonvehí; Francesc de Dalmases, JxCat deputy and Montse Candini, mayor of Calella and former JxSí deputy.
Translation: "Our colleagues Josep Rull and Quim Forn are adding themselves to the hunger strike to denounce the arbitrary judicial action which is keeping them locked in prison. All my support. We won't leave you alone!"
"Today, Josep Rull and Quim Forn have taken the decision to join the hunger strike, alongside Jordi Turull and Jordi Sànchez. As president of PDeCAT, all my support for a decision which shows undeniable commitment to the non-violent fight for the freedom of our country. Upwards!"
"How much dignity. Thank you minister, deputy, colleague, friend"
"Respect for what they might decide but terrible, I have no words. Forn and Rull are joining the indefinite hunger strike to denounce the Constitutional Court's delays."
For their part, ANC (Catalan National Assembly) has also expressed its solidarity with the two prisoners and any non-violent demonstrations of support for them.
"All our support to Josep Rull and Quim Forn. All our support to the non-violent demonstrations in support of the hunger strike and denouncing the crimes committed by the Spanish state."
From ERC, their speaker in the Catalan Parliament, Sergi Sabrià, and their national spokesperson, Marta Vilalta, have also reacted to the news.
"All our support to our colleagues Josep Rull, Quim Forn, Jordi Sànchez and Jordi Turull. Much strength"
"All our support and solidarity with Josep Rull and Quim Forn who are joining Jordi Sànchez and Jordi Turull in the action of the hunger strike. And again, we denounce this Spanish injustice and demand their immediate release. Strength, colleagues."
From CUP, meanwhile, former Parliament deputy Mireia Boya wrote:
"Today, Quim Forn and Josep Rull are joining Jordi Sànchez and Jordi Turull in their hunger strike. Unconditional support for them and their families in the face of this disobedient, non-violent, hard-hitting action of political protest."