I am in jail for defending human rights, not independence.

In this quote, Jordi Cuixart, a prominent Catalan activist, clarifies the reason for his imprisonment, emphasizing that he was jailed for defending human rights rather than advocating for independence. Cuixart distinguishes his actions, suggesting that his fight was not solely about the political pursuit of Catalan self-determination or sovereignty, but rather about upholding fundamental human rights, including the right to protest and express political views freely. His statement underscores that his intentions were focused on basic freedoms rather than secession or division.

Cuixart's remark highlights the moral and legal distinction between advocating for independence and fighting for the protection of human rights. He seeks to frame his imprisonment as the result of his commitment to justice and democratic principles, particularly in the context of the tense political situation in Catalonia. Cuixart and others were accused of sedition for their role in organizing pro-independence demonstrations, but Cuixart argues that the true issue was his defense of citizens' rights to express their beliefs and engage in peaceful protest.

The origin of this quote is tied to Cuixart's involvement in the Catalan independence movement and his activism for the rights of the Catalan people. In 2017, he was arrested during the aftermath of the controversial referendum on Catalan independence. His statement serves to reframe the political narrative, focusing on the right to protest and the broader cause of human dignity instead of the divisive issue of independence.

In essence, Cuixart’s quote is a powerful defense of the right to fight for human rights even in the face of political imprisonment. He emphasizes that his actions were motivated by the defense of fundamental freedoms, not by an agenda for independence, positioning himself as a defender of democratic values rather than a separatist figure.