State prosecutor files charges against Catalan president, Puigdemont flees to Brussels

Spanish state prosecutor seeks to file charges against Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont and other members of the Catalan government after their parliament declared independence last week, world media report, carried by Patria agency.

Prosecutor Jose Manuel Maza says Catalan leaders could face charges of rebellion and sedition in court. Although the names of all those who could be affected by the indictment have not been specified, Puigdemont's name is mentioned in the document from the state prosecutor's office.

This announcement came after the Spanish government's measures, which dismissed Catalan government president Carles Puigdemont, deputy prime minister Oriol Junqueras, their ministers, as well as the director and head of the Catalan autonomous police, came into effect on Saturday.

On Sunday, hundreds of thousands of supporters of Spanish unity gathered in the streets of Barcelona, supporting the introduction of direct rule from Madrid in Catalonia after the region declared independence.

Following the announcement that charges would be filed, Puigdemont left Catalonia and fled to Brussels, Spanish media reported.

Belgian Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration Theo Francken had previously offered asylum to Puigdemont.