The Catalan police decided to halt the “Cage” operation to locate the separatist former leader of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, who appeared in Barcelona in the morning. The search, which led to traffic chaos, caused significant disruption in the city. Clashes also occurred outside the park housing the parliament, as Puigdemont’s supporters attempted to breach the police cordon, prompting officers to respond with batons and pepper spray.

After 3.5 hours of searching, the Catalan police called off the operation, which had begun at 10:00 AM (local time). However, efforts to locate Carles Puigdemont continue, with resources deployed on land, sea, and air, including a helicopter. Additionally, a police officer suspected of being involved in Puigdemont’s escape has been arrested.

It is estimated that 3,500 people participated in demonstrations in central Barcelona to mark the arrival of the separatist leader, who has an outstanding arrest warrant against him. Puigdemont made an appearance in the morning, seven years after his escape, declaring, “We are still here because we do not have the right to give up.”

It appears that Carles Puigdemont anticipated his arrest and, according to Spanish authorities, aims to be detained in front of cameras, something the police wish to avoid, as they seek a more discreet arrest. Puigdemont reportedly wants to be arrested and imprisoned so that his lawyer can file an appeal, believing he would benefit from the amnesty law and thus expects his imprisonment to be deemed unlawful.