Audiencia Nacional reviews amnesty for CDR members

The Spanish National Court (Audiencia Nacional) has reopened proceedings regarding the potential amnesty of twelve members of the Committees for the Defense of the Republic (CDR). The members face terrorism charges related to violent actions against buildings in Catalonia during the independence movement.

Following a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), which determined that the amnesty law does not contravene EU anti-terrorism directives—provided it does not cover serious human rights violations—the National Court has requested that the prosecution and defense parties submit their views. The court has granted a ten-day period for the parties to address the scope and effects of the CJEU's decision.

This move aims to ensure legal contradiction before deciding if the CDR members qualify for amnesty. Involved parties include the Public Prosecutor's Office, defense lawyers, and several popular accusations, including victims' associations (ACVOT, AVT, and Dignitat i Justícia), Civil Guard associations (AEGC and AUGC), and the political party Vox.