Carles Puigdemont, the former leader of Catalonia, has announced his intention to return to Spain on Thursday, despite the high probability of being arrested. Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium following the failed independence referendum in Catalonia nearly seven years ago, is set to attend an event organized by his political party near Barcelona's regional parliament building.
The 61-year-old did not disclose the specifics of his return to Spain, but the event in Barcelona is expected to draw a significant number of his supporters. The regional police in Catalonia have stated their readiness to comply with court orders to arrest Puigdemont upon his return.
