Mr Puigdemont could be facing a huge prison sentence as a “violent and public” uprising against the Spanish constitution is punishable by up to 30 years’ jail time.
The controversial referendum on Catalonia’s independence has been declared illegal and unconstitutional by Spanish authorities as separatists did not follow proper legal procedure in calling the vote.
The public prosecutor’s office has confirmed that a lawsuit is being prepared against Mr Puigdemont “under the assumption that a declaration of independence was carried out.”
The crime of rebellion is defined as an uprising designed to “repeal, suspend or totally or partially modify the Constitution” or “declare independence of a part of the national territory”.
More to follow.