Catalan leader escapes after rally

Carles Puigdemont, the Catalan separatist leader, is safely on the run from Spanish police after a dramatic escape following a demonstration in Barcelona, according to a separatist organization leader via Reuters on social media. Puigdemont appeared in Spain for the first time in seven years to speak in front of thousands of supporters. After his speech, he disappeared backstage and could not be located by the media or police, leading to a manhunt with roadblocks causing traffic chaos in Barcelona and near the French border. A police officer has been arrested for aiding Puigdemont’s escape. He hasn’t set foot on Spanish soil since fleeing to Belgium in 2017 after being sought for his role in Catalonia’s secession attempt. Surrounded by members of the Junts separatist party, Puigdemont stated he’s still present and called for a free Catalonia at the event.