Catalonia’s parliamentary speaker said Thursday she would step down as she is investigated for sedition and rebellion over her role in the independence drive, the latest separatist leader to leave their post. Speaking to reporters in Barcelona, staunchly pro-independence Carme Forcadell said she would not stay in the post despite having been offered to do so after regional elections on December 21 that saw separatist parties retain their absolute parliamentary majority. “I think this new political moment requires a new person who is, above all else, free of legal proceedings,” she said. Forcadell was a key figure among Catalan leaders who attempted to break away from Spain, a process that culminated with the regional parliament declaring unilateral independence on October 27. But this was short-lived as Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy imposed direct rule on the semi-autonomous region, sacked its government, dissolved its parliament and called snap elections. Published in Daily Times, January 12th 2018.