MADRID (SPAIN) – The city council of Barcelona voted on Thursday to strip former Spanish king Juan Carlos of all official recognitions he received from the city over charges of graft.
Earlier this month, Carlos suddenly left Spain for the UAE under the cloud of preliminary probe into his business dealings in Spain and Switzerland after a Swiss news report linked him to illicit money transfer.
The former king’s sudden disappearance and the long silence about his whereabouts sparked a debate on the relevance of the monarchy in Spain.
His lawyer said Carlos is at the disposal of the Spanish prosecutor.
The honours he received include the gold medal awarded to people who have distinguished themselves through personal merit or by rendering exceptional services to Barcelona. Members belonging to the separatist parties in the city council voted to strip Carlos of all medals.
Mayor Ada Colau abstained from voting and flayed the palace for allowing Carlos to leave the country without facing the charges against him.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.