Ex-Catalan leader freed in Belgium

A Belgian judge has granted conditional release to former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and four of his ministers.

The group is scheduled to appear at court within 15 days, Belgian prosecutors said on Monday.

The judge said that they could not leave the country without permission and have to give details of their accommodation.

Puigdemont turned himself in to Belgian police yesterday, after Spain issued a European arrest warrant for rebellion and misuse of public funds.

Puigdemont fled to Belgium after Madrid imposed direct rule on Catalonia following an independence declaration.

He has said he will not return to Spain unless he is guaranteed a fair trial.

The five are wanted in Spain to face charges including rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.