Court to investigate Jové but not Aragonès over 1-O

Mixed news for two senior ERC officials during the organisation and holding of the referendum on 1 October 2017. The High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) ruled out investigating the now vice-president of the Catalan Government, Pere Aragonès, for a crime of disobedience on 1-O, as requested by the court investigating those responsible for organising the referendum. Like the prosecutor’s office, the court does not see any signs of criminal behaviour in Aragonès’ actions.

On the other hand, the TSJC did decide to investigate Josep Maria Jové, Secretary General of the Vice Presidency and Economy while Oriol Junqueras held that post, and now a Member of Parliament. In this case, the court does see enough evidence to investigate Jové for misappropriation of public funds, gross disobedience and disclosure of secrets.

Among the evidence that the TSJC believes relate Jové to the organisation of the referendum and the presumed “roadmap” to attain independence “unilaterally” is his participation on an “executive network committee” that was created by the Catalan Government after 2015.

It also believes that Jové may have been responsible for investing public funds in the referendum “for an amount still to be determined.”