Judge Joaquín Aguirre has rejected applying the amnesty law to former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and 12 others involved in the alleged Russian interference in Catalonia's independence bid.

The judge has asked the Supreme Court to investigate Puigdemont for treason, embezzlement, and criminal organization.

Aguirre argues that the gravity of these crimes excludes them from the amnesty law.

The case involves alleged contacts between Catalan separatists and Russian officials during the 2017 independence push.

Puigdemont's party, Junts, has denounced the judge's decision as political persecution.

This development could complicate Puigdemont's planned return to Catalonia for a potential investiture debate.