General to Be Put Under House Arrest for Threats
Spain’s Defense Ministry ordered the house arrest of a senior officer who warned that the armed forces might have to intervene if the northeastern region of Catalonia went too far in seeking greater autonomy.
Army Lt. Gen. Jose Mena Aguado’s speech Friday triggered memories of Spanish military uprisings and coups. He warned of the “serious consequences for the armed forces ... if the Catalan charter is approved in its current terms” and cited a clause in the constitution that calls on the military to intervene if needed to guarantee Spain’s unity, independence and sovereignty.
The Catalan regional government, based in Barcelona, is seeking a new charter that would give it wide political and fiscal powers and recognition as a nation.
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