The Catalan parliament, dissolved by the Spanish government by the invoking of Article 155 of the Constitution, has recognized the decision and halts its work until new early elections, the legislature has told Sputnik.
The parliament presidium's meeting due Tuesday has been canceled.
READ MORE: Don't Try to Ex-Spain: EU Parliament Snubs Proclamation of Catalan Statehood
Meanwhile, Catalonia's former leadership faces rebellion, sedition charges and embezzlement over the decision to hold the independence referendum. Spanish state officials have confirmed that ousted Catalan resident Carles Puigdemont had traveled to Brussels with other dismissed members of region's government.
Previously media reports were claiming of the Spanish chief prosecutor Jose Manuel Maza's preparations to prepare rebellion charges against Puigdemont over his participation in the parliament's unilateral declaration of independence. Under the Spanish law, rebellion is a crime punishable by up to 30 years in jail.
"The Attorney General's Office… initiates the filing of lawsuits against the key politicians of the Catalan Generalitat," Spanish Attorney General Jose Manuel Maza told Spanish television channels.
This step was taken after on Friday, October 27 the Catalan parliament has unilaterally declared the region's independence from Spain after a secret vote.
Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has previously described the Spain's actions in the region as efforts aimed to restore the rule of law in the country. Rajoy has dismissed Puigdemont and his government and called for regional elections on December 21. The Catalan leader, however, refused to recognize his removal and urged to create a "democratic opposition". BBC reports claim that his possible arrest may ignite protests in the region.
READ MORE: Catalonia's Puigdemont Could Reportedly Face Criminal Charges as Crisis Deepens
