Carles Puigdemont: former Catalan leader leaves German prison after paying £65,000 bail

Blow for Spanish government as court says he cannot be extradited for organising independence campaign

Carles Puigdemont and political colleagues give the thumbs-up after last year's referendum (EPA)

Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has left a German prison after paying bail of €75,000 (£65,000).

A court in Schleswig-Holstein decided he could go free pending a decision on whether to extradite him to Spain, but that he cannot be expelled on the most serious charge against him - organising the campaign for Catalonian independence.

It would only be possible on a charge of misuse of public funds, the court ruled.

The court's decision is a setback for Spanish efforts to crack down on the separatist movement.

Schleswig's state prosecutor said the former Catalan leader may immediately leave the jail where he has been held since last month.

The 55-year-old has provided authorities with an address in Germany where he will live pending a decision in his extradition case.

Mr Puigdemont was arrested last month on a Spanish-issued arrest warrant as he entered Germany from Denmark.

He has been living in exile since his regional government last year attempted to declare independence from Madrid. Spain is seeking his extradition for rebellion and misuse of public funds in organising the unauthorised vote.

The ruling allows Mr Puigdemont to move freely in Germany pending any decision on his extradition.

Madrid has insisted the dispute over Catalan separatism is a legal issue, not a political one, and has refused to be drawn into negotiations with Mr Puigdemont and his supporters since the referendum.

Spain's deputy prime minister, Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, said the government would respect the German ruling and awaited further details before deciding on any response.

Mr Puigdemont could have face up to 25 years in prison if he returned to Spain on charges of rebellion and sedition.

In all, 13 Catalan separatist politicians have been charged with rebellion offences by Spanish judges. Six international arrest warrants have been issued for those now living abroad.