Agents of the Mossos d’Esquadra arrested yesterday the mayor of Puigverd de Lleida, Josep Solsona Batlle, accused of an alleged crime of gender-based violence in the family. The incident took place precisely yesterday, March 8, which commemorates International Women’s Day.
According to the newspaper Segre, the arrest occurred at noon and the mayor spent the night at the police station. He is scheduled to testify before a judge this morning.
Police proceedings remain open to determine the circumstances that led to the arrest of the mayor and awaiting the statements he may make to the agents and the judicial authority once his transfer to the Guard Court is ordered.
In a statement, Junts per Catalunya has expressed its “dismay” at the events and has made itself available to the family and affected people. The party has suspended Solsona from militancy and will ask him to leave the mayor’s office.
Junts per Catalunya has also expressed its full confidence and collaboration with justice “in any aspect” that the party is considered to be able to contribute.
Josep Solsona (JxCat) became mayor of Puigverd de Lleida in August 2022 after a no-confidence motion presented against the then mayor of ERC, Sandra Barberà, was successful and revalidated the mayorship in the last municipal elections.
Last January, the mayor caused controversy for some statements in which he maintained that “a women’s association is sexist”, made during a training event at the Government delegation on equal treatment and non-discrimination. “In an egalitarian society there should be no female or male associations,” said the mayor during a training session on equal treatment and non-discrimination aimed at technical staff and heads of local entities. The mayor was also against making distinctions based on gender.
