HE is one of the most high-profile Catalan political prisoners and now Jordi Cuixart has said Scots have every right to have their say on independence.
Catalan politicians often cite our 2014 referendum as an example Spain should follow in seeking an end to its own political crisis.
In an exclusive interview with The National from Lledoners prison, Cuixart, who leads the grassroots pro-indy group, Omnium Cultural, encouraged Scotland to pursue indyref2.
“I know that in the General Elections, Scotland has spoken very clear: an overwhelming majority of Scots want indyref2, I encourage you all to pursue this fair cause,” he said. “Many things have changed since the 2014 referendum, you’ve got every right to have a new say. You’ve got the support and solidarity of the Catalan people. This is undoubtedly our shared struggle.”
Cuixart said Omnium favoured the right to self-determination, which was a matter of democracy. “Spain’s unity is way more important than democracy and human rights,” he said. He went on to voice concerns at the rise of populism and right-wing political parties, and said power had to be returned to the people.
“There has been an awakening of populism and far-right movements in the world,” he said. “We’ve seen how far-right political parties have gained ground ... how big powers in the world are turning their back on democratic principles ... But, democrats all over the world are fighting back to defend democracy and human rights.
“We’ve seen it in Hong Kong, Chile, Lebanon … in Catalonia, and in Scotland. It’s a matter of giving the power to the people, it’s the essence of democracy. And my message it’s clear: we [democrats] shall overcome, it’s a matter of time.”
Read the rest of Jordi Cuixart's interview here
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