A former Catalan minister facing extradition to Spain has handed herself in to police in Scotland.

Clara Ponsati was made the subject of a European arrest warrant last week and gave herself up at a police station in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

The former education minister is sought by Madrid on charges of "violent rebellion and misappropriation of public funds" regarding her role in Catalonia's October independence referendum.

Ms Ponsati, who denies the charges, fled Spain with the autonomous community's ex-leader Carles Puigdemont and three other cabinet members and initially headed for Belgium.

Please RT, share & contribute 2 my crowdfunder - Later on this morning I will attend police station with my lawyer @AamerAnwar & will b arrested & taken 2court as Spain tries 2extradite me, I need ur support #DefendClara #Catalonia❤️https://t.co/9wQKd4ZeW4 … pic.twitter.com/TM0tL3t7mQ — Clara Ponsatí (@ClaraPonsati) March 28, 2018

But she arrived in Scotland in March and has said she will fight any attempt to return her to Spain.


She was bailed during a brief hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday afternoon and will reappear on 12 April. The court ordered that she hand over her passport.

Ms Ponsati's solicitor Aamer Anwar said: "Clara remains defiant, resolute and is determined to fight back.

"She wants to thank the many hundreds of thousands of ordinary people, especially in Scotland, who have shown her such love and support.

I can confirm @ClaraPonsati has been arrested & the extradition hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court is likely 2take place earlier than expected btw 130 & 2pm- Clara is in good spirits & greatful 4all support #Catalonia❤️https://t.co/Lwi2rGLweG pic.twitter.com/lacrtolqXJ — Aamer Anwar (@AamerAnwar) March 28, 2018

"However, it is absolutely right that the independence of the judiciary in Scotland is respected and that no Government should ever interfere in that process.

"Clara accepts her fate now lies in the hands of the Scottish justice system."

More than £100,000 was raised through crowdfunding to help pay for Ms Ponsati's extradition defence.

On Monday, there were protests outside the Spanish consulate in Edinburgh to demonstrate support for Ms Ponsati.