Supporters chant 'freedom' at Catalan leader's extradition heading

Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont arrives at a courthouse in Sardinia, as a judge holds the first hearing on his European arrest warrant, in Sassari, Italy, October 4, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

SASSARI, Italy (Reuters) - Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont appeared in court on Monday in Sardinia where a judge will decide whether to extradite him to Spain to face sedition charges linked to Catalonia's 2017 failed independence bid.

A few dozen supporters gathered outside, waving Catalan and Sardinian flags and chanting "freedom" as he arrived.