Die Staatsanwaltschaft fordert den Rechnungshof auf, die Amnestie jetzt anzuwenden und die Embargos aufzuheben.

The Spanish National Prosecution Office has urged the Court of Auditors to immediately apply the amnesty law and lift asset freezes imposed on leaders of Catalonia's independence movement, known as the procés. This call comes amid ongoing legal battles over financial mismanagement linked to the 2017 referendum on Catalan independence. The request was made public on Tuesday by Manuel Martín-Granizo, the chief prosecutor of the Court of Auditors' Judicial Section, who accused the audit body of attempting to delay or avoid implementing the amnesty provisions. Martín-Granizo’s statement, published in a formal report, criticized the Court of Auditors for seeking to reopen discussions about the origins of funds allegedly misused during the procés. He described such efforts as “unlawful and unnecessary,” particularly given that there is already consensus that European Union funds were not used to finance the independence push. His comments follow a recent decision by the Court of Auditors to grant parties ten days to submit arguments or additional information regarding the source of the funds used in the procés. The Court of Auditors had previously launched an investigation into whether public funds were improperly used to support the independence movement. This inquiry followed allegations that certain officials had diverted resources to cover costs associated with the 2017 referendum, which the Spanish government declared illegal. The audit body had requested clarification from all relevant parties, including former Catalan officials and political figures, about how these expenses were financed. In response to the latest developments, the National Prosecution Office emphasized that the amnesty law, passed in 2022, explicitly covers individuals involved in the procés, including those facing charges related to financial misconduct. The office argued that the Court of Auditors should not prolong legal proceedings against these individuals by raising new questions about the funding of their activities. It called for an immediate halt to asset freezes and other restrictions placed on them under the current audit process. The situation has drawn attention from both supporters and critics of the procés. Proponents argue that the amnesty law represents a necessary step toward reconciliation and justice, while opponents claim it undermines Spain’s legal framework by shielding those responsible for alleged financial crimes. Some legal experts have pointed out that the Court of Auditors operates independently of the judicial system and has its own procedures for investigating financial irregularities. The Court of Auditors did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the National Prosecution Office’s stance. However, internal documents suggest that the audit body is proceeding cautiously, ensuring that all legal avenues are explored before reaching conclusions about the legitimacy of the claims against former Catalan officials. These documents indicate that the audit team is reviewing multiple lines of evidence, including financial records and testimonies from various stakeholders. The controversy highlights the complex interplay between different branches of Spain’s governance structure. While the judiciary and prosecution have been pushing for swift resolution through the amnesty law, the Court of Auditors maintains its role as an independent watchdog tasked with scrutinizing public finances. This tension has raised concerns among some analysts about potential conflicts of interest and the need for clear legislative guidance on how to handle cases involving both criminal and financial accountability. As the deadline for submitting responses approaches, the focus will shift to whether the Court of Auditors will adhere to the National Prosecution Office’s demands or continue with its current course of action. Legal observers are closely watching the outcome, as it could set a precedent for future cases involving financial audits and amnesty laws in Spain.