Andorran Courts Launch Investigation into Spanish Police
Andorra's Instruction Court (Batllia) number 2 has formally accepted a complaint to investigate four Spanish police officers for alleged acts of coercion and extortion. The complaint, filed by the Human Rights Institute of Andorra (IHDA) and the Catalan rights association 'Drets', centers on accusations that the officers pressured Andorran citizens to obtain sensitive banking information. This information was allegedly sought to discredit prominent Catalan pro-independence politicians as part of a broader Spanish initiative known as 'Operation Catalonia'.
Allegations of Extortion and Framing
The investigation focuses on claims that the Spanish officers threatened and coerced Andorran citizens, including key figures at the Banca Privada d'Andorra (BPA), to reveal details of bank accounts belonging to Catalan officials. The alleged goal was to 'destroy their public image' by fabricating or misrepresenting financial irregularities. The Andorran citizens reportedly subjected to these pressures include Higini Cierco, main shareholder of BPA; Joan Pau Miquel, delegate of BPA and Banco Madrid; and Rosa Castellón, secretary of BPA's administration board.
The Catalan politicians allegedly targeted in this scheme include former Catalan presidents Artur Mas and Jordi Pujol (and his family), as well as current Vice President and Minister of Economy and Finance, Oriol Junqueras.
Key Figures Under Scrutiny
The four Spanish police officers named in the initial complaint are:
- Eugenio Pino, former head of the National Spanish Police Board
- Bonifacio Díaz, former leading police inspector
- Marcelino Martin-Blas, director of Internal Affairs
- Celestino Barroso Sánchez, attaché of the Ministry of Interior at the Spanish embassy in Andorra
Reports indicate that Celestino Barroso specifically threatened BPA with a 'hachazo' (an attack or blow) if the bank did not cooperate by providing information on pro-independence politicians' funds. This alleged threat was followed by the bank eventually being placed under intervention.
'Operation Catalonia' and Broader Implications
The alleged actions are understood to be part of 'Operation Catalonia', a covert police operation reportedly driven by the Spanish government to curb the Catalan independence movement. This operation allegedly involved investigating and gathering information on pro-independence politicians without judicial authorization, potentially using false evidence, data manipulation, and threats.
The Andorran investigation has expanded over time, with former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, former Interior Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz, and former Finance Minister Cristóbal Montoro also being implicated and summoned to testify regarding their alleged roles in pressuring Andorran banks. Recent developments in Spain's 'Pujol case' have also seen the admission of testimony from police commanders involved in 'Operation Catalonia', including José Manuel Villarejo and Eugenio Pino, and the incorporation of documentation from the Andorran investigation. José Manuel Villarejo has reportedly testified in Andorra, claiming he received threats for doing so.
14 Comments
Coccinella
Catalan politicians are often corrupt. Why are we defending them?
Habibi
The involvement of former high-ranking officials suggests a significant political dimension to these events. While justice should be blind, the geopolitical implications for Spain and Andorra are undeniable and will influence perceptions.
Coccinella
If these claims of 'Operation Catalonia' are true, it represents a severe overreach of power. However, we must wait for concrete evidence from the Andorran courts before making definitive judgments on guilt.
Mariposa
These 'allegations' are baseless. Spanish police were doing their job protecting national unity.
Bella Ciao
Shocking but not surprising. The truth about 'Operation Catalonia' needs to come out.
Loubianka
This is blatant state-sponsored harassment! Andorra is doing the right thing by investigating.
Eugene Alta
Finally, some accountability for 'Operation Catalonia'. Justice must be served.
Katchuka
The Spanish government's tactics are appalling. This investigation is absolutely necessary.
BuggaBoom
Andorra has no jurisdiction here. This is an internal Spanish matter.
Loubianka
Pure political theater from Andorra. They're just trying to stir up trouble.
Katchuka
Sounds like an excuse to distract from actual financial irregularities. Typical.
KittyKat
The idea of a 'hachazo' against a bank is alarming and points to potential misconduct. However, the article focuses heavily on the pro-independence politicians as victims, and a more neutral perspective would also examine the initial reasons for suspicion, if any existed.
Noir Black
Applaud Andorra's courage to stand up to such political pressure. This is a clear abuse of power.
Eugene Alta
It's concerning to hear about alleged threats to banks to obtain information, which could set a dangerous precedent. Yet, the article doesn't fully detail what information was sought, making it hard to assess the full scope of the alleged wrongdoing.