The periodic penalty payments imposed by the Spanish Constitutional Court through interlocutory decisions constitute a violation of the most basic principles of defence inherent  in a democratic State governed by the rule of law.

The financial intervention of the Government of Catalonia is a real attack and a suspension of the right to self-government through a procedure of dubious legality and foreseeable unconstitutionality. 

Freedom of expression is essential in a democratic society and it is especially serious to damage it also when it affects the freedom of the press.