Carles Puigdemont, the former Catalan separatist leader, has resurfaced in Barcelona after seven years of exile, defying an outstanding arrest warrant for alleged embezzlement linked to a 2017 independence referendum. Addressing thousands of supporters, he declared his intent to revive the independence movement, stating that authorities underestimated his resolve. After his speech, Puigdemont reportedly escaped in a car belonging to a local police officer, prompting a chaotic manhunt that caused traffic disruptions in the city. Two officers from the regional police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, have been arrested for allegedly aiding his escape. The police had decided against an immediate arrest due to concerns over public disorder at the crowded event. Puigdemont maintains that the charges against him are baseless, claiming the referendum was legal and a reflection of the Catalan people's will.