SPAIN’S supreme court has banned the Catalan president from office for 18 months.
Quim Torra has been removed on charges of disobedience, after he refused to take down ribbons and other symbols supporting jailed pro-independence leaders from his government palace ahead of the 2019 election.
The president had argued against the charges on the grounds of freedom of expression.
The case went to the supreme court after a court in Barcelona ruled in December that he should be banned from office for 18 months.
Torra’s defence has now been dismissed by the supreme court, removing him from office.
The verdict can be appealed but takes effect once fully notified.
Deputy Catalan leader Pere Aragones, who represents a different pro-independence party, is expected to become acting Catalan leader.
Elections will be held if the parliament cannot decide on a replacement for Torra.
Catalan police have reportedly been put on high alert for possible protests ahead of the court ruling.
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