Belgian judge frees sacked Catalan leader

BRUSSELS, Nov 6 (KUNA) -- An investigating judge in Brussels has released ex-Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and four former ministers but under conditions, Belgian media reported Monday.
The five Catalans had turned themselves in to the police on Sunday and were questioned throughout the day by the investigating judge who had to decide whether the five had to be held pending a decision on the European arrest warrant issued by Spain. The judge has now decided that the five can remain free but they are banned from leaving Belgium without the permission of the investigating judge. They have to also provide a fixed address of stay in Brussels. A court now has 15 days to decide whether or not the five will be handed over to Spain. The five ex-officials came to Brussels last week after Madrid imposed direct rule on Catalonia following an independence declaration. (end) nk.lb