Spain's Parliament Approves Controversial Amnesty Law

Spain's Parliament has given the final approval to a controversial amnesty law for Catalan separatists, sparking protests and enraging some judges and the conservative opposition. The law is supported by Spain's left-wing coalition government, two Catalan separatist parties, and other smaller parties, but condemned by many Spaniards who view it as a blow against the rule of law. The amnesty is expected to annul the legal records of hundreds of officials and activists involved in Catalonia's separatist push since 2011, including former Catalan regional president Carles Puigdemont. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has argued that the amnesty will bring reconciliation with the northeastern region seven years after its illegal referendum and unilateral declaration of independence set off Spain's worst political crisis in over 30 years. The law is likely to face legal challenges and will be reviewed by higher courts, with some experts questioning its constitutionality for creating inequality between Spanish citizens by favouring some over others.