Barcelona was bracing Saturday for a weekend of fresh protest, with large rallies by independence supporters and a counter-demonstration by Catalan "remainers" as the backlash over Spain's jailing of separatist leaders rumbled on.

Barcelona was bracing Saturday for a weekend of fresh protest, with large rallies by independence supporters and a counter-demonstration by Catalan "remainers" as the backlash over Spain's jailing of separatist leaders rumbled on. Catalonia has been gripped by unrest since the controversial Supreme Court verdict on October 14 which unleashed a week of huge demonstrations that quickly turned violent, with angry protesters clashing with riot police. The violence eased off last week although the protests continued, with thousands of students marching peacefully through the city on Friday, waving flags and chanting "The streets will always be ours". But activists were gearing up for a mass rally on Saturday called by the ANC and Omnium Cultural, the region's two biggest grassroots pro-independence groups that have organised some of the largest separatist protests in recent years. Then on Sunday, a counter-demonstration has been planned by activists from Catalan Civil Society (SCC), a group representing those who want the region to remain part of Spain, which organised several large protests around the time of the failed independence bid of 2017. Catalans remain sharply divided over the question of separating from Spain, with a September poll showing 44 percent in favour but 48.3 percent against, and the violent protests over the verdict have only deepened that division. Following the sentence, the protests turned violent, with demonstrators torching barricades, hurling Molotov cocktails, rocks and even acid at the police who responded with teargas, foam rounds and rubber bullets. More than 600 people were injured, among them 367 civilians, four of whom lost an eye, Catalan regional health officials said, with another 289 police hurt, the Spanish government said on Friday. 'Criminal separatism' "This Saturday the word 'freedom' will ring throughout the streets of Barcelona," wrote Omnium on its Twitter account ahead of the demonstration which was to begin near Barcelona port at 5:00 pm (1500 GMT). Activists from the radical CDR have also called their own protest at 7:30 pm during the evening, raising fears there could be fresh clashes with police. Earlier on Saturday, thousands of protesters rallied in Madrid in defence of the unity of Spain at a demonstration called by the far-right Vox party, which has taken a very tough line on Catalan separatism and wants all regional pro-independence parties banned. Party leader Santiago Abascal said only Vox could handle the "criminal separatism" in Catalonia. Although the faction only entered parliament in April, polls indicate it might become the third largest party following the November 10 election. The big demonstration on Sunday will bring other Catalans onto the streets who do not want to separate from Spain, but who want to send a message saying "enough violence and confrontation," SCC head Fernando Sanchez Costa told AFP. "That is an important message for Catalonia, for Spain and the world, where often separatism is associated with Catalonia," he said, recalling that most Catalans did not agree with the separatist agenda. "From now on we must listen to the social majority in Catalonia that opposes independence and whose emotions are also running high." - Separation 'not an option' - The march, which is taking place almost two weeks before the general election, is expected to draw several senior political figures, including Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell who himself is Catalan; the leader of the conservative People's Party Pablo Casado; and head of the centre-right Ciudadanos, Albert Rivera. Until now, the Socialist government of Pedro Sanchez has turned a deaf ear to repeated calls for dialogue from regional president Quim Torra, who wants to secure Madrid's agreement for a referendum on independence. "What we will not talk about is the right to self-determination," Carmen Calvo, Sanchez's deputy, told journalists on Saturday. "If, as president Torra has said every day, the aim is to break up Spain's territorial unity and separate Catalonia from Spain, we simply cannot talk," she said. "Unilaterally breaking the rules of the game is not an option."

Activists gear up for weekend of mass protest in Barcelona

Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters, some waving Catalan flags and banners urging to "fight for freedom together", rallied in support of a separate Catalonia on Thursday (October 24), broaching an issue that is anathema to Hong Kong's Communist Party leaders in Beijing.

Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters rally for Catalan independence

Hong Kong Protesters rally for Catalan Freedom

Ahead of next month's general election, Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez faced sharp criticism Sunday for his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-leaders-demand-talks-with-madrid-after-violent-clashes-256960">handling of violent Catalan separatist protests</a> even as calm returned to Barcelona and other cities overnight.

The centre-right Ciudadanos party, which was born out of opposition to Catalan separatism, held a rally in front of Catalonia's regional government headquarters in Barcelona under the slogan: "That's enough! Justice and coexistence".

"We have had enough of seeing how radicals roam freely and scare millions of Spaniards on their land. The streets belong to everyone," Ciudadanos leader Alberto Rivera tweeted before the rally began.

He has called on Sanchez to suspend Catalonia's autonomy just as the central government did in 2017 after the Catalan parliament declared independence following a banned secession referendum.

The streets of Barcelona and other Catalan cities have been rocked by protests since Spain's Supreme Court sentenced nine separatist leaders, many of them former regional government ministers, last Monday to jail terms of up to 13 years for sedition over the failed 2017 independence bid.

Nearly 600 people have been injured in clashes with police since the protests started. A police officer was in "very serious condition" and a demonstrator was in "critical condition" according to Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.

'No dialogue'

In an interview published in top-selling daily newspaper El Pais, the leader of the main conservative opposition Popular Party (PP), Pablo Casado, accused the government of "pretending nothing has happened" and promising that everything will return to normal "with moderation".

"There can be no dialogue with those who make Catalonia burn," he said in reference to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-must-stop-now-says-catalan-president-as-barcelona-burns-256362">Catalonia's separatist president Quim Torra</a> who on Saturday called for "unconditional" negotiations with Sanchez.

That appeared to be aimed at ensuring that a legal referendum on independence, currently a non-starter for Madrid, was up for discussion.

Sanchez, who came to power in June 2018 with the support of Catalan separatist parties, refused to meet with Torra until he "clearly" condemns this week's violence and recognises that half of Catalonia's roughly 7.5 million residents do not want independence.

A poll published in July by a public Catalan institute showed support for an independent Catalonia at its lowest level in two years, with 48.3 per cent of people against and 44 per cent in favour.

'Increase polarisation'

The court's decision has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-separatists-police-clash-in-fresh-violence-256595">thrust the Catalan dispute to the heart of the political debate</a> ahead of Spain's November 10 general election, its fourth in as many years.

According to the first poll since Monday's verdict, the ruling Socialists are likely to secure the most votes but again fall short of a majority. The PP was tipped to make significant gains.

Published by the daily El Mundo, the survey predicted Sanchez's Socialists would capture&nbsp;122 seats in the 350-seat parliament, slightly down from 123 it took in the last election in April, while the PP would win 98 seats, up from 66.

"Order and territory has never been a winning bet for the Socialists," Pablo Simon, a political science professor at Madrid's Carlos III university, wrote in a blog post on Saturday, adding the Catalan crisis will "increase polarisation" which would benefit parties with more extreme positions like the far-right Vox and radical separatists CUP.

Barcelona returned to relative calm Saturday night after six days of demonstrations against the jailing of separatist leaders.

But on iconic Las Ramblas street, protesters set up barricades and lit fires before they were dispersed by police firing foam projectiles.&nbsp;

Overnight Friday, radical separatists had hurled rocks and fireworks at police who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Ahead of next month's general election, Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez faced sharp criticism Sunday for his handling of violent Catalan separatist protests even as calm returned to Barcelona and other cities overnight.

Ahead of next month's general election, Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez faced sharp criticism Sunday for his handling of violent Catalan separatist protests even as calm returned to Barcelona and other cities overnight. The centre-right Ciudadanos party, which was born out of opposition to Catalan separatism, held a rally in front of Catalonia's regional government headquarters in Barcelona under the slogan: "That's enough! Justice and coexistence". "We have had enough of seeing how radicals roam freely and scare millions of Spaniards on their land. The streets belong to everyone," Ciudadanos leader Alberto Rivera tweeted before the rally began. He has called on Sanchez to suspend Catalonia's autonomy just as the central government did in 2017 after the Catalan parliament declared independence following a banned secession referendum. The streets of Barcelona and other Catalan cities have been rocked by protests since Spain's Supreme Court sentenced nine separatist leaders, many of them former regional government ministers, last Monday to jail terms of up to 13 years for sedition over the failed 2017 independence bid. Nearly 600 people have been injured in clashes with police since the protests started. A police officer was in "very serious condition" and a demonstrator was in "critical condition" according to Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. 'No dialogue' In an interview published in top-selling daily newspaper El Pais, the leader of the main conservative opposition Popular Party (PP), Pablo Casado, accused the government of "pretending nothing has happened" and promising that everything will return to normal "with moderation". "There can be no dialogue with those who make Catalonia burn," he said in reference to Catalonia's separatist president Quim Torra who on Saturday called for "unconditional" negotiations with Sanchez. That appeared to be aimed at ensuring that a legal referendum on independence, currently a non-starter for Madrid, was up for discussion. Sanchez, who came to power in June 2018 with the support of Catalan separatist parties, refused to meet with Torra until he "clearly" condemns this week's violence and recognises that half of Catalonia's roughly 7.5 million residents do not want independence. A poll published in July by a public Catalan institute showed support for an independent Catalonia at its lowest level in two years, with 48.3 per cent of people against and 44 per cent in favour. 'Increase polarisation' The court's decision has thrust the Catalan dispute to the heart of the political debate ahead of Spain's November 10 general election, its fourth in as many years. According to the first poll since Monday's verdict, the ruling Socialists are likely to secure the most votes but again fall short of a majority. The PP was tipped to make significant gains. Published by the daily El Mundo, the survey predicted Sanchez's Socialists would capture 122 seats in the 350-seat parliament, slightly down from 123 it took in the last election in April, while the PP would win 98 seats, up from 66. "Order and territory has never been a winning bet for the Socialists," Pablo Simon, a political science professor at Madrid's Carlos III university, wrote in a blog post on Saturday, adding the Catalan crisis will "increase polarisation" which would benefit parties with more extreme positions like the far-right Vox and radical separatists CUP. Barcelona returned to relative calm Saturday night after six days of demonstrations against the jailing of separatist leaders. But on iconic Las Ramblas street, protesters set up barricades and lit fires before they were dispersed by police firing foam projectiles. Overnight Friday, radical separatists had hurled rocks and fireworks at police who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Spanish Prime Minister under pressure over Catalan protests

Catalan protesters clashed with&nbsp;police&nbsp;on Saturday&nbsp;on the&nbsp;sixth&nbsp;day of protests against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sedition-in-spain-government-jails-leaders-of-catalonia-secessionist-movement-255825">jailing of Catalan separatist leaders </a>which has caused a wave of violence in the region.

Heavy&nbsp;police&nbsp;presence was seen at a series of demonstrations in the Catalan capital which lasted late into the&nbsp;night. The majority remained peaceful, with protesters staging a sit-down and shining lights from their phones. Others turned violent with fires and clashes between protesters and riot&nbsp;police.

The&nbsp;sixth&nbsp;night&nbsp;of&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;ended with the&nbsp;police&nbsp;pulling&nbsp;back&nbsp;and protesters chanting slogans like "We won" and celebrating the&nbsp;police's departure.

Barcelona saw its worst&nbsp;night&nbsp;of disturbances in decades on Friday (October 18) as masked youths blocked roads with blazing garbage bins and hurled rocks at security forces, who responded by firing repeated rounds of smoke grenades and tear gas.

Catalan protesters clashed with police on Saturday on the sixth day of protests against the jailing of Catalan separatist leaders which has caused a wave of violence in the region.

Catalan protesters clashed with police on Saturday on the sixth day of protests against the jailing of Catalan separatist leaders which has caused a wave of violence in the region. Heavy police presence was seen at a series of demonstrations in the Catalan capital which lasted late into the night. The majority remained peaceful, with protesters staging a sit-down and shining lights from their phones. Others turned violent with fires and clashes between protesters and riot police. The sixth night of unrest ended with the police pulling back and protesters chanting slogans like "We won" and celebrating the police's departure. Barcelona saw its worst night of disturbances in decades on Friday (October 18) as masked youths blocked roads with blazing garbage bins and hurled rocks at security forces, who responded by firing repeated rounds of smoke grenades and tear gas.

Sixth night of unrest in Catalonia ends with police pull back

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-escalates-in-barcelona-after-500000-separatists-rally-256801">Separatist Catalan leaders on Saturday called on the Spanish government</a> to enter into talks as Barcelona braced for fresh violence after days of clashes between police and protesters.

Nearly 200 people were hurt in another night of clashes with radical separatists hurling rocks and fireworks at police who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

A hardcore movement of young separatists, Arran, called for a new demonstration "against repression" for 1600 GMT in central Barcelona.

"We exhort the head of the government to fix today a day and hour to sit with us for unconditional talks," regional president Quim Torra said in a speech.

His demand for "unconditional" negotiations, addressed to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, appeared to be aimed at ensuring that a referendum on independence, currently a non-starter for Madrid, is up for discussion.

Barcelona has been rocked all week by protests against a Spanish court's jailing of nine separatist leaders on sedition charges over a failed independence bid.

Emergency services said Saturday that 152 people were injured in overnight clashes in Barcelona, and dozens more hurt elsewhere in Catalonia, taking the total to 182.

Authorities had already reported 500 injured since protests started Monday even before the latest clashes erupted.

The interior ministry said 83 people were detained in the overnight violence, in addition to 128 arrests police had reported previously.

Smell of burning

"This can't go on, Barcelona does not deserve this," said Ada Colau, the city's leftist mayor on Saturday, condemning "all kinds of violence".

The air in the Catalan capital was heavy with a burning stench as municipal workers cleared the streets of broken glass, rocks and rubber bullets, and repaired pavements where bricks had been ripped out.

"All this is very sad, and is not helping our cause," said Assumpcio Segui, a 75-year old pro-independence pensioner.

Torra urged demonstrators to remain calm, saying "the defence of rights and freedoms must always be expressed peacefully."

Around half a million people had rallied in Barcelona on Friday in the biggest gathering since Monday's court ruling as separatists also called a general strike in the major tourist destination.

While most marchers appeared peaceful, hordes of young protesters went on the rampage near the police headquarters, igniting a huge blaze that sent black smoke into the air as police fired teargas to disperse them, an AFP correspondent said.

Other fires broke out near Plaza de Catalunya at the top of the tourist hotspot Las Ramblas, where hundreds of demonstrators had rallied to defy the police.&nbsp;

'Our streets'

"Anti-fascist Catalonia!" they roared. "The streets will always be ours!"

Police vans fanned out around the city, sirens screaming as regional police warned people in a message in English on Twitter "not to approach" the city centre.&nbsp;

Thousands of "freedom marchers" from five regional towns arrived in Barcelona for the rally, which coincided with a general strike.&nbsp;

That prompted the cancellation of flights and the closure of shops, business and top tourist attractions, including the Sagrada Familia basilica.&nbsp;

Public transport slowed to a trickle in a region that accounts for about a fifth of Spain's economic output.

Activists also cut off Catalonia's main cross-border highway with France.

Watch:&nbsp;Streets of Barcelona marred by violence as Catalan protesters clash with police

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'No surrender'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sedition-in-spain-government-jails-leaders-of-catalonia-secessionist-movement-255825">In downtown Barcelona, luxury shops were closed on the Paseo de Gracia</a>, with blackened, charred patches a reminder of the nightly clashes that have raged since Monday.&nbsp;

Retired lawyer Jaume Enrich called the Spanish court ruling "the straw that broke the camel's back". &nbsp;

"Madrid is putting Spanish unity above everything, including basic rights," he told AFP, wearing a badge saying "No surrender".

Spain's Clasico postponed

With the region mired in chaos, football authorities cancelled the Barcelona and Real Madrid Clasico set for October 26 at the Camp Nou stadium. Both clubs had reportedly refused an offer to hold the match in Madrid.

The Supreme Court's explosive decision has thrust the Catalan dispute to the heart of the political debate as Spain heads towards a fourth election in as many years, which is to be held on November 10.

Separatist Catalan leaders on Saturday called on the Spanish government to enter into talks as Barcelona braced for fresh violence after days of clashes between police and protesters.

Separatist Catalan leaders on Saturday called on the Spanish government to enter into talks as Barcelona braced for fresh violence after days of clashes between police and protesters. Nearly 200 people were hurt in another night of clashes with radical separatists hurling rocks and fireworks at police who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. A hardcore movement of young separatists, Arran, called for a new demonstration "against repression" for 1600 GMT in central Barcelona. "We exhort the head of the government to fix today a day and hour to sit with us for unconditional talks," regional president Quim Torra said in a speech. His demand for "unconditional" negotiations, addressed to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, appeared to be aimed at ensuring that a referendum on independence, currently a non-starter for Madrid, is up for discussion. Barcelona has been rocked all week by protests against a Spanish court's jailing of nine separatist leaders on sedition charges over a failed independence bid. Emergency services said Saturday that 152 people were injured in overnight clashes in Barcelona, and dozens more hurt elsewhere in Catalonia, taking the total to 182. Authorities had already reported 500 injured since protests started Monday even before the latest clashes erupted. The interior ministry said 83 people were detained in the overnight violence, in addition to 128 arrests police had reported previously. Smell of burning "This can't go on, Barcelona does not deserve this," said Ada Colau, the city's leftist mayor on Saturday, condemning "all kinds of violence". The air in the Catalan capital was heavy with a burning stench as municipal workers cleared the streets of broken glass, rocks and rubber bullets, and repaired pavements where bricks had been ripped out. "All this is very sad, and is not helping our cause," said Assumpcio Segui, a 75-year old pro-independence pensioner. Torra urged demonstrators to remain calm, saying "the defence of rights and freedoms must always be expressed peacefully." Around half a million people had rallied in Barcelona on Friday in the biggest gathering since Monday's court ruling as separatists also called a general strike in the major tourist destination. While most marchers appeared peaceful, hordes of young protesters went on the rampage near the police headquarters, igniting a huge blaze that sent black smoke into the air as police fired teargas to disperse them, an AFP correspondent said. Other fires broke out near Plaza de Catalunya at the top of the tourist hotspot Las Ramblas, where hundreds of demonstrators had rallied to defy the police. 'Our streets' "Anti-fascist Catalonia!" they roared. "The streets will always be ours!" Police vans fanned out around the city, sirens screaming as regional police warned people in a message in English on Twitter "not to approach" the city centre. Thousands of "freedom marchers" from five regional towns arrived in Barcelona for the rally, which coincided with a general strike. That prompted the cancellation of flights and the closure of shops, business and top tourist attractions, including the Sagrada Familia basilica. Public transport slowed to a trickle in a region that accounts for about a fifth of Spain's economic output. Activists also cut off Catalonia's main cross-border highway with France. Watch: Streets of Barcelona marred by violence as Catalan protesters clash with police 'No surrender' In downtown Barcelona, luxury shops were closed on the Paseo de Gracia, with blackened, charred patches a reminder of the nightly clashes that have raged since Monday. Retired lawyer Jaume Enrich called the Spanish court ruling "the straw that broke the camel's back". "Madrid is putting Spanish unity above everything, including basic rights," he told AFP, wearing a badge saying "No surrender". Spain's Clasico postponed With the region mired in chaos, football authorities cancelled the Barcelona and Real Madrid Clasico set for October 26 at the Camp Nou stadium. Both clubs had reportedly refused an offer to hold the match in Madrid. The Supreme Court's explosive decision has thrust the Catalan dispute to the heart of the political debate as Spain heads towards a fourth election in as many years, which is to be held on November 10.

Catalan leaders demand talks with Madrid after violent clashes

The pro-independence groups began marches in Catalonia on October 16 against the jailing of nine separatist leaders, despite a new warning by the Spanish government that it will step in if needed to guarantee security.

Catalonia protests take a violent turn

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez held emergency talks with opposition leaders on Wednesday about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-30-arrested-during-catalan-protests-over-jailing-of-separatist-leaders-256215">violent protests by separatists in Catalonia</a>.

Scores of people have been hurt and dozens arrested in the past two nights of clashes between protesters and police in Barcelona and other Catalan cities.

Protesters are furious at the jailing of nine separatist leaders for their role in a failed 2017 independence bid that sparked a deep political crisis.

The convictions on Monday revived tensions in the wealthy northeastern region, split between Catalans loyal to Madrid and those who want it to break away from Spain.

In Barcelona on Tuesday night, police charged hundreds of masked demonstrators who threw projectiles at officers and set garbage bins and cardboard boxes on fire.

In a tweet, Sanchez said the government "firmly and resoundingly condemns the violence that seeks to break co-existence in Catalonia."

On Wednesday thousands of protesters departed on foot along highways from five Catalan towns towards Barcelona.

They planned to gather there on Friday when unions have called a general strike in the region.

Sanchez received conservative opposition leader Pablo Casado of the Popular Party on Wednesday morning.

He was scheduled to meet later with the leaders of centre-right Ciudadanos and far-left Podemos.

He said he would "convey the government's determination to guarantee security, with firmness, proportionality and unity."

The separatist movement has said there will be no let-up in the protests.

They erupted after the Supreme Court on Monday convicted 12 Catalan separatist leaders of sedition over the 2017 referendum and short-lived declaration of independence.

The court handed prison sentences of between nine and 13 years to nine of them and fines to the other three.

The ruling thrust the Catalan dispute to the heart of the political debate ahead of Spain's November 10 general election, its fourth in as many years.

'No return'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-protests-in-spain-over-catalan-sentence-256141">Police arrested 29 people in the province of Barcelona</a>, 14 in Tarragona province and eight in Lleida, Spain's interior ministry said.

Officials said 125 people were injured in the protests, including 72 police officers, some with broken bones.

Municipal cleaning crews used hoses to clear the streets of Barcelona of debris from the dozens of fires which were set overnight.

The violent protests marked a break with the mainly peaceful and festive pro-independence rallies which have been held in Catalonia since the separatist movement gained momentum nearly a decade ago.

The separatist camp is frustrated over Catalan regional president Quim Torra's failure to deliver on his government's promise to achieve independence.

On the wall of a luxury watch shop in an upscale Barcelona neighbourhood, someone had scrawled "Torra, traitor".

"We have embarked on a road of no return," the Committees for the Defence of the Republic (CDR), a radical separatist movement, tweeted.

It called on the separatist regional government to "take a step forward by breaking with the Spanish state."

'Raising tensions'

Catalonia's vice president Pere Aragones urged demonstrators to avoid violence.

He said that would give Spain's central government a pretext to intervene in the region, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jailed-catalan-separatist-leader-says-new-referendum-inevitable-256099">as it did when it suspended Catalonia's autonomy</a> after the 2017 independence bid.

"Do not give them what they want," he said.

Spain's conservative parties have branded Sanchez a traitor for accepting the backing of Catalan separatist parties to help him secure power in 2018, and for his willingness to negotiate with them.

The conservative parties have urged him to take a harder line against the protesters.

"In the face of the violent unrest which is raising tensions in Catalonia, Sanchez must activate the national security law," Casado said.

"It is urgent to guarantee security and public order."

On Monday, some 10,000 people blocked access to Barcelona airport, Spain's second busiest, for several hours on Monday.

Demonstrators issued calls on social media to "Turn Catalonia into the new Hong Kong", a reference to recent demonstrations against Chinese influence in that territory.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez held emergency talks with opposition leaders on Wednesday about violent protests by separatists in Catalonia. Scores of people have been hurt and dozens arrested in the past two nights of clashes between protesters and police in Barcelona and other Catalan cities.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez held emergency talks with opposition leaders on Wednesday about violent protests by separatists in Catalonia. Scores of people have been hurt and dozens arrested in the past two nights of clashes between protesters and police in Barcelona and other Catalan cities. Protesters are furious at the jailing of nine separatist leaders for their role in a failed 2017 independence bid that sparked a deep political crisis. The convictions on Monday revived tensions in the wealthy northeastern region, split between Catalans loyal to Madrid and those who want it to break away from Spain. In Barcelona on Tuesday night, police charged hundreds of masked demonstrators who threw projectiles at officers and set garbage bins and cardboard boxes on fire. In a tweet, Sanchez said the government "firmly and resoundingly condemns the violence that seeks to break co-existence in Catalonia." On Wednesday thousands of protesters departed on foot along highways from five Catalan towns towards Barcelona. They planned to gather there on Friday when unions have called a general strike in the region. Sanchez received conservative opposition leader Pablo Casado of the Popular Party on Wednesday morning. He was scheduled to meet later with the leaders of centre-right Ciudadanos and far-left Podemos. He said he would "convey the government's determination to guarantee security, with firmness, proportionality and unity." The separatist movement has said there will be no let-up in the protests. They erupted after the Supreme Court on Monday convicted 12 Catalan separatist leaders of sedition over the 2017 referendum and short-lived declaration of independence. The court handed prison sentences of between nine and 13 years to nine of them and fines to the other three. The ruling thrust the Catalan dispute to the heart of the political debate ahead of Spain's November 10 general election, its fourth in as many years. 'No return' Police arrested 29 people in the province of Barcelona, 14 in Tarragona province and eight in Lleida, Spain's interior ministry said. Officials said 125 people were injured in the protests, including 72 police officers, some with broken bones. Municipal cleaning crews used hoses to clear the streets of Barcelona of debris from the dozens of fires which were set overnight. The violent protests marked a break with the mainly peaceful and festive pro-independence rallies which have been held in Catalonia since the separatist movement gained momentum nearly a decade ago. The separatist camp is frustrated over Catalan regional president Quim Torra's failure to deliver on his government's promise to achieve independence. On the wall of a luxury watch shop in an upscale Barcelona neighbourhood, someone had scrawled "Torra, traitor". "We have embarked on a road of no return," the Committees for the Defence of the Republic (CDR), a radical separatist movement, tweeted. It called on the separatist regional government to "take a step forward by breaking with the Spanish state." 'Raising tensions' Catalonia's vice president Pere Aragones urged demonstrators to avoid violence. He said that would give Spain's central government a pretext to intervene in the region, as it did when it suspended Catalonia's autonomy after the 2017 independence bid. "Do not give them what they want," he said. Spain's conservative parties have branded Sanchez a traitor for accepting the backing of Catalan separatist parties to help him secure power in 2018, and for his willingness to negotiate with them. The conservative parties have urged him to take a harder line against the protesters. "In the face of the violent unrest which is raising tensions in Catalonia, Sanchez must activate the national security law," Casado said. "It is urgent to guarantee security and public order." On Monday, some 10,000 people blocked access to Barcelona airport, Spain's second busiest, for several hours on Monday. Demonstrators issued calls on social media to "Turn Catalonia into the new Hong Kong", a reference to recent demonstrations against Chinese influence in that territory.

Spain Prime Minister holds emergency talks over violent Catalan protests

Catalan separatists on Tuesday blocked streets and train tracks in protest against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angry-protesters-take-to-streets-as-spain-jails-catalan-leaders-255918">Spain's jailing of nine of their leaders</a>, a day after activists stormed Barcelona airport in an angry response to the verdict.&nbsp;

Pro-independence groups called for demonstrators to hold sit-ins from 1700 GMT&nbsp;outside of Spanish government offices in Barcelona and other Catalan cities as part of Tuesday's protests.

Several roads were cut across the northeastern region, including the AP-7 which links Barcelona to France&nbsp;near the separatist stronghold of Girona, local officials said.

Demonstrators also blocked train tracks with burning tyres and other debris as they awaited new instructions from Democratic Tsunami, the group which coordinated Monday's mass bid to swarm the city's El Prat airport, where they choked-off road and rail access.

Activists engaged in running battles with riot police as they sought to enter the terminal but were repeatedly rebuffed, with police staging multiple charges and firing foam rounds into the crowds in a standoff which forced the cancellation of 110 flights, airport officials said.&nbsp;

Although life was slowly returning to normal at the airport after a night in which hundreds of people were stranded at the terminal, another 45 flights were cancelled on Tuesday morning, Spanish airport authority AENA said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-jails-nine-catalan-leaders-up-to-13-years-for-sedition-255792">Monday's ruling unleashed a day of chaos</a>, with Catalan separatists enraged by the Supreme Court's decision to hand heavy prison sentences of between nine and 13 years to leaders convicted of sedition over the 2017 referendum and short-lived declaration of independence.

The emergency services said 131 people were injured in the protests, 115 of them at the airport, with the rest in Barcelona and elsewhere. One protester sustained a serious eye injury, hospital officials said. &nbsp;

The separatist movement has made clear there will be no let-up in their protests over the verdict which came as Spain counts down to a November 10 general election, its fourth in as many years, putting the Catalan question at the heart of the political debate.&nbsp;

'Route of civil disobedience'

Around 10,000 people took part in the demonstration at the airport, according to the interior ministry.

Many people took the day off to join the protests, heeding widespread calls on social media to "Turn Catalonia into the new Hong Kong" and raise international awareness of the crisis in this wealthy northeastern region of Spain.&nbsp;Hong Kong has been rattled by weeks of pro-democracy street protests.

"For me, the worst thing is Europe, which hasn't said anything. That's why we're doing this, to cause the worst possible disturbance, so it affects everyone, to see if they realise and do something," IT consultant Carles Navarro told AFP.&nbsp;

"We have always chosen peaceful ways (of fighting for what we believe in) but nobody listens. Now we're forced to go down the route of civil disobedience."

In a message to its 150,000 followers on the Telegram messaging app, Democratic Tsunami directed activists to head for the airport. &nbsp;

"The time has come to make our voice felt around the world. The goal: stop the activity of Barcelona's airport," it said in a call heeded by thousands.&nbsp;

So far, those <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-separatist-leaders-trial-spains-supreme-court-expected-to-announce-verdict-255749">behind the movement remain unknown</a> but Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said investigators were trying to identify them.&nbsp;

"I have no doubt we will end up finding out who's behind Democratic Tsunami," he told Spain's RNE public radio.&nbsp;

'Contradiction'

Spain's government has expressed hope the trial's end would allow it to move on from the crisis in Catalonia, where support for independence has gained momentum over the past decade.&nbsp;

But the Catalan separatists, who control the regional government and last month passed a motion in their parliament granting legitimacy to civil disobedience, have shown little willingness to talk.&nbsp;

While Catalan president Quim Torra has encouraged Catalans to exercise civil disobedience, his government is also responsible for the regional police who are charged with controlling demonstrations, putting him in an uncomfortable position.

This "contradiction" is "one of the difficulties of this process," Torra said Tuesday.

In the coming days, protesters are planning to stage marches from five Catalan towns towards Barcelona where they will gather on Friday when unions have called a general strike.&nbsp;Students are also planning to rally in Madrid on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Catalan separatists on Tuesday blocked streets and train tracks in protest against Spain's jailing of nine of their leaders, a day after activists stormed Barcelona airport in an angry response to the verdict.

Catalan separatists on Tuesday blocked streets and train tracks in protest against Spain's jailing of nine of their leaders, a day after activists stormed Barcelona airport in an angry response to the verdict. Pro-independence groups called for demonstrators to hold sit-ins from 1700 GMT outside of Spanish government offices in Barcelona and other Catalan cities as part of Tuesday's protests. Several roads were cut across the northeastern region, including the AP-7 which links Barcelona to France near the separatist stronghold of Girona, local officials said. Demonstrators also blocked train tracks with burning tyres and other debris as they awaited new instructions from Democratic Tsunami, the group which coordinated Monday's mass bid to swarm the city's El Prat airport, where they choked-off road and rail access. Activists engaged in running battles with riot police as they sought to enter the terminal but were repeatedly rebuffed, with police staging multiple charges and firing foam rounds into the crowds in a standoff which forced the cancellation of 110 flights, airport officials said. Although life was slowly returning to normal at the airport after a night in which hundreds of people were stranded at the terminal, another 45 flights were cancelled on Tuesday morning, Spanish airport authority AENA said. Monday's ruling unleashed a day of chaos, with Catalan separatists enraged by the Supreme Court's decision to hand heavy prison sentences of between nine and 13 years to leaders convicted of sedition over the 2017 referendum and short-lived declaration of independence. The emergency services said 131 people were injured in the protests, 115 of them at the airport, with the rest in Barcelona and elsewhere. One protester sustained a serious eye injury, hospital officials said. The separatist movement has made clear there will be no let-up in their protests over the verdict which came as Spain counts down to a November 10 general election, its fourth in as many years, putting the Catalan question at the heart of the political debate. 'Route of civil disobedience' Around 10,000 people took part in the demonstration at the airport, according to the interior ministry. Many people took the day off to join the protests, heeding widespread calls on social media to "Turn Catalonia into the new Hong Kong" and raise international awareness of the crisis in this wealthy northeastern region of Spain. Hong Kong has been rattled by weeks of pro-democracy street protests. "For me, the worst thing is Europe, which hasn't said anything. That's why we're doing this, to cause the worst possible disturbance, so it affects everyone, to see if they realise and do something," IT consultant Carles Navarro told AFP. "We have always chosen peaceful ways (of fighting for what we believe in) but nobody listens. Now we're forced to go down the route of civil disobedience." In a message to its 150,000 followers on the Telegram messaging app, Democratic Tsunami directed activists to head for the airport. "The time has come to make our voice felt around the world. The goal: stop the activity of Barcelona's airport," it said in a call heeded by thousands. So far, those behind the movement remain unknown but Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said investigators were trying to identify them. "I have no doubt we will end up finding out who's behind Democratic Tsunami," he told Spain's RNE public radio. 'Contradiction' Spain's government has expressed hope the trial's end would allow it to move on from the crisis in Catalonia, where support for independence has gained momentum over the past decade. But the Catalan separatists, who control the regional government and last month passed a motion in their parliament granting legitimacy to civil disobedience, have shown little willingness to talk. While Catalan president Quim Torra has encouraged Catalans to exercise civil disobedience, his government is also responsible for the regional police who are charged with controlling demonstrations, putting him in an uncomfortable position. This "contradiction" is "one of the difficulties of this process," Torra said Tuesday. In the coming days, protesters are planning to stage marches from five Catalan towns towards Barcelona where they will gather on Friday when unions have called a general strike. Students are also planning to rally in Madrid on Wednesday.

Fresh protests in Spain over Catalan sentence

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-jails-nine-catalan-leaders-up-to-13-years-for-sedition-255792">jailing of&nbsp;Catalan&nbsp;separatists</a> for their role in a failed secession bid will only galvanise the region's independence movement and another&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;is&nbsp;inevitable, the&nbsp;leader&nbsp;hit by the heaviest jail sentence told Reuters.

Former regional government deputy&nbsp;leader&nbsp;Oriol Junqueras and eight others were convicted of sedition on Monday by the Supreme Court and sentenced to terms ranging from 9-13 years.

The ruling<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angry-protesters-take-to-streets-as-spain-jails-catalan-leaders-255918"> triggered protests</a> across the wealthy northeastern region whose independence drive plunged Spain into a full-blown political crisis in October 2017, when the&nbsp;leaders organised a&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;that courts had ruled illegal and made a short-lived declaration of independence.

"This sentence will not weaken the independence movement, quite the contrary," Junqueras told Reuters in his first interview after the sentence. "We're not going to stop thinking what we think, ideals can't be derailed by (jail) sentences."

All the defendants were acquitted of the gravest charge, rebellion, but the length of the prison terms - which Junqueras said they planned to appeal in a European court - prompted anger in Catalonia.

On Monday, demonstrators blocked roads and regional railways there and thousands descended on Barcelona's international airport, where some clashed with police.

Those behind the airport protest, the Tsunami Democratic group, called for protesters to keep returning to the street. A spokesman for the airport said it had cancelled 110 flights on Monday and a further 45 on Tuesday.

"Never, never, never have&nbsp;separatists acted violently, never," added Junqueras, in emailed answers to questions passed on to Reuters by his staff late on Monday.

"What I'm sure of is that this conflict is to be resolved via ballot boxes ... we are convinced that sooner or later a&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;is&nbsp;inevitable&nbsp;because otherwise, how can we give a voice to the citizens?".

Catalan&nbsp;regional&nbsp;leader&nbsp;Quim Torra said on Tuesday his government would continue to defend the right to self determination, and that another&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;was "(the) most positive solution for trying to solve this."

Two years after the debacle of the first plebiscite, Catalonia's independence drive still dominates much of Spain's fractured political debate.

The country's main national parties are divided on whether to grant the region additional autonomy on top of the administrative and budgetary controls it already holds - but all except the far-left Podemos oppose holding a&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;on independence.

Besides, sharp divisions within Catalonia itself over the issue of independence have contributed to taking the steam out of the independence movement in recent months, with protests drawing smaller crowds.

Asked what message he had for the independence movement after the sentencing, Junqueras said: "That prison and exile have made us stronger and makes us ever more convinced, if that is possible, in our profoundly democratic beliefs."

He and the others planned to appeal the sentences at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, he said.

The jailing of Catalan separatists for their role in a failed secession bid will only galvanise the region's independence movement and another referendum is inevitable, the leader hit by the heaviest jail sentence told Reuters.

The jailing of Catalan separatists for their role in a failed secession bid will only galvanise the region's independence movement and another referendum is inevitable, the leader hit by the heaviest jail sentence told Reuters. Former regional government deputy leader Oriol Junqueras and eight others were convicted of sedition on Monday by the Supreme Court and sentenced to terms ranging from 9-13 years. The ruling triggered protests across the wealthy northeastern region whose independence drive plunged Spain into a full-blown political crisis in October 2017, when the leaders organised a referendum that courts had ruled illegal and made a short-lived declaration of independence. "This sentence will not weaken the independence movement, quite the contrary," Junqueras told Reuters in his first interview after the sentence. "We're not going to stop thinking what we think, ideals can't be derailed by (jail) sentences." All the defendants were acquitted of the gravest charge, rebellion, but the length of the prison terms - which Junqueras said they planned to appeal in a European court - prompted anger in Catalonia. On Monday, demonstrators blocked roads and regional railways there and thousands descended on Barcelona's international airport, where some clashed with police. Those behind the airport protest, the Tsunami Democratic group, called for protesters to keep returning to the street. A spokesman for the airport said it had cancelled 110 flights on Monday and a further 45 on Tuesday. "Never, never, never have separatists acted violently, never," added Junqueras, in emailed answers to questions passed on to Reuters by his staff late on Monday. "What I'm sure of is that this conflict is to be resolved via ballot boxes ... we are convinced that sooner or later a referendum is inevitable because otherwise, how can we give a voice to the citizens?". Catalan regional leader Quim Torra said on Tuesday his government would continue to defend the right to self determination, and that another referendum was "(the) most positive solution for trying to solve this." Two years after the debacle of the first plebiscite, Catalonia's independence drive still dominates much of Spain's fractured political debate. The country's main national parties are divided on whether to grant the region additional autonomy on top of the administrative and budgetary controls it already holds - but all except the far-left Podemos oppose holding a referendum on independence. Besides, sharp divisions within Catalonia itself over the issue of independence have contributed to taking the steam out of the independence movement in recent months, with protests drawing smaller crowds. Asked what message he had for the independence movement after the sentencing, Junqueras said: "That prison and exile have made us stronger and makes us ever more convinced, if that is possible, in our profoundly democratic beliefs." He and the others planned to appeal the sentences at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, he said.

Jailed Catalan separatist leader says new referendum inevitable

Convicted: Who are the 12 Catalan separatist leaders?

Sedition in Spain: Government jails leaders of Catalonia secessionist movement

Tensions are mounting in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalonias-ex-leader-carles-puigdemont-banned-from-european-union-polls-party-214518">Catalonia</a> where pro-independence lawmakers have been sabre-rattling against Madrid as Spain's top court prepares to rule on the fate of 12 separatist leaders over a failed 2017 independence bid.&nbsp;

Setting aside their divisions, Catalonia's pro-independence parties on Thursday adopted a clutch of motions granting legitimacy to "civil disobedience", demanding the withdrawal of Spain's national police from the wealthy northeastern region, and calling for an amnesty for the leaders soon to be judged by the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

The move came on the same day that seven Catalan separatists suspected of preparing violent attacks were charged with belonging to a "terrorist organisation".

Although the declarations by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pedro-says-no-independence-for-catalonia-208738">Catalan parliament are purely symbolic</a>, given it does not have the authority to make such decisions, the central government in Madrid hit back on Friday, saying it would take legal action.

"This government is not willing to accept any attack... on the constitution," warned government spokeswoman Isabel Celaa following Friday's cabinet meeting.

Such declarations by the regional government bear a worrying similarity to similar motions passed ahead of the failed independence bid on October 1, 2017, that triggered Spain's worst political crisis in decades.&nbsp;

"It's evident that the parliament set in motion the start of its strategy of confrontation yesterday" as called for by former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont&nbsp;"which is going to result in more tension", Marius Carol, director of the La Vanguardia, Catalonia's leading daily, wrote in an editorial.&nbsp;

Puigdemont fled to Belgium after the failed independence bid to avoid prosecution and keeps a strong hold over Catalan politics from there.

An unexpected boost

Monday's arrest of a group of radical independence activists gave an unexpected boost to the separatist movement which has been struggling recently to mobilise the street.&nbsp;

And the police operation took place just a few weeks before the Supreme Court issues its verdict against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalonia-protesters-burn-tires-block-highways-over-separatist-trial-198803">12 separatist leaders</a> following a high-profile trial.&nbsp;

According to historian Joan Esculies, "the independence movement is divided... it doesn't have a shared strategy" as it had back in 2017 when it organised an independence referendum that was banned by Madrid and a vote on secession by the Catalan parliament.&nbsp;

But "they can reach agreement when faced with what they call repression" by the central government, he told AFP.&nbsp;

"It's very easy for them to show a common front and display a certain amount of unity" even if politically, the divisions are still there between those who want dialogue with Madrid and those who want confrontation, Esculies said.&nbsp;

On Thursday, seven of the nine activists arrested earlier in the week were placed in provisional detention for "belonging to a terrorist organisation", according to a statement from Spain's National Court.&nbsp;

Announcing their arrest on Monday, police said investigators had found "material and substances which could have been used for making explosives".

But Quim Torra, the region's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-independence-protesters-catalonia-block-roads-railway-line-reports-168729">pro-independence president</a>, said that in arresting them, the Spanish state had wanted "to establish a violent narrative ahead of the verdict" of the 12 separatists on trial.

The use of violence during the 2017 crisis has been at the heart of the case against them because it is a key element of the charge of rebellion that they are facing, which carries a very heavy penalty.&nbsp;

The separatists have always stressed the peaceful nature of their movement.&nbsp;

Torra's remarks drew a sharp retort from Pedro Sanchez's Socialist government, which has repeatedly been accused by its opponents of showing weakness in respect to the pro-independence movement.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters, Celaa said the government "totally rejected" Torra's remarks.&nbsp;

"He must make clear his respect for the laws of democracy and the principles of the state of law," she insisted.

Tensions are mounting in Catalonia where pro-independence lawmakers have been sabre-rattling against Madrid as Spain's top court prepares to rule on the fate of 12 separatist leaders over a failed 2017 independence bid.

Tensions are mounting in Catalonia where pro-independence lawmakers have been sabre-rattling against Madrid as Spain's top court prepares to rule on the fate of 12 separatist leaders over a failed 2017 independence bid. Setting aside their divisions, Catalonia's pro-independence parties on Thursday adopted a clutch of motions granting legitimacy to "civil disobedience", demanding the withdrawal of Spain's national police from the wealthy northeastern region, and calling for an amnesty for the leaders soon to be judged by the Supreme Court. The move came on the same day that seven Catalan separatists suspected of preparing violent attacks were charged with belonging to a "terrorist organisation". Although the declarations by the Catalan parliament are purely symbolic, given it does not have the authority to make such decisions, the central government in Madrid hit back on Friday, saying it would take legal action. "This government is not willing to accept any attack... on the constitution," warned government spokeswoman Isabel Celaa following Friday's cabinet meeting. Such declarations by the regional government bear a worrying similarity to similar motions passed ahead of the failed independence bid on October 1, 2017, that triggered Spain's worst political crisis in decades. "It's evident that the parliament set in motion the start of its strategy of confrontation yesterday" as called for by former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont "which is going to result in more tension", Marius Carol, director of the La Vanguardia, Catalonia's leading daily, wrote in an editorial. Puigdemont fled to Belgium after the failed independence bid to avoid prosecution and keeps a strong hold over Catalan politics from there. An unexpected boost Monday's arrest of a group of radical independence activists gave an unexpected boost to the separatist movement which has been struggling recently to mobilise the street. And the police operation took place just a few weeks before the Supreme Court issues its verdict against the 12 separatist leaders following a high-profile trial. According to historian Joan Esculies, "the independence movement is divided... it doesn't have a shared strategy" as it had back in 2017 when it organised an independence referendum that was banned by Madrid and a vote on secession by the Catalan parliament. But "they can reach agreement when faced with what they call repression" by the central government, he told AFP. "It's very easy for them to show a common front and display a certain amount of unity" even if politically, the divisions are still there between those who want dialogue with Madrid and those who want confrontation, Esculies said. On Thursday, seven of the nine activists arrested earlier in the week were placed in provisional detention for "belonging to a terrorist organisation", according to a statement from Spain's National Court. Announcing their arrest on Monday, police said investigators had found "material and substances which could have been used for making explosives". But Quim Torra, the region's pro-independence president, said that in arresting them, the Spanish state had wanted "to establish a violent narrative ahead of the verdict" of the 12 separatists on trial. The use of violence during the 2017 crisis has been at the heart of the case against them because it is a key element of the charge of rebellion that they are facing, which carries a very heavy penalty. The separatists have always stressed the peaceful nature of their movement. Torra's remarks drew a sharp retort from Pedro Sanchez's Socialist government, which has repeatedly been accused by its opponents of showing weakness in respect to the pro-independence movement. Speaking to reporters, Celaa said the government "totally rejected" Torra's remarks. "He must make clear his respect for the laws of democracy and the principles of the state of law," she insisted.

Catalonia tense ahead of verdict in separatist leaders trial

A lawyer for Oriol Junqueras, on trial in Madrid over Catalonia's 2017 secession bid, said Tuesday the region's former vice-president never committed rebellion as charged, though there may have been "disobedience".

Andreu Van den Eynde spoke on what is scheduled to be the penultimate day in the four-month Supreme Court trial of Junqueras and 11 others over a failed attempt to prise Catalonia from Spain in October 2017.

Junqueras risks 25 years in jail for misuse of public funds and rebellion, a serious offence which under Spanish law implies a violent uprising.

In a two-hour intervention, Van den Eynde tried to pick apart the prosecutors' case, arguing that rebellion was being mistaken for "disobedience".

"Everything is an exaggeration, everything is noise and this noise... appears in the vocabulary, I wrote it down during the whole trial," he told the court.

"'They were entrenched', 'barricades', 'human shields', 'they gave the starting gun shot', 'they had an arsenal', 'expressions of hate', 'siege', 'devastation'," he listed expressions used by prosecutors.

"That's what the prosecution is saying: bias and exaggeration, and that takes away their credibility."

While dismissing the charge of rebellion, Van den Eynde said at most there may have been an offence of disobedience, which in serious cases incurs a fine and a three-year ban from public office, but no jail time.

The lawyer, also defending Raul Romeva who was in charge of foreign affairs for Catalonia at the time, recalled how police charged activists and voters on October 1, 2017 , as they tried to stop a banned independence referendum from going ahead.

He recognised that some protesters confronted the police, but only in a handful of cases.

Van den Eynde argued that three isolated cases were officially recorded, but were "disconnected" from the 12 accused, who "reject violence in any form."

In his conclusion, Van den Eynde said the trial could be used to help overcome the secession crisis in Catalonia.

"We're here, with our hand outstretched, to solve this conflict, and that's what I think this sentence should be."

A lawyer for Oriol Junqueras, on trial in Madrid over Catalonia's 2017 secession bid, said Tuesday the region's former vice-president never committed rebellion as charged, though there may have been "disobedience".

A lawyer for Oriol Junqueras, on trial in Madrid over Catalonia's 2017 secession bid, said Tuesday the region's former vice-president never committed rebellion as charged, though there may have been "disobedience". Andreu Van den Eynde spoke on what is scheduled to be the penultimate day in the four-month Supreme Court trial of Junqueras and 11 others over a failed attempt to prise Catalonia from Spain in October 2017. Junqueras risks 25 years in jail for misuse of public funds and rebellion, a serious offence which under Spanish law implies a violent uprising. In a two-hour intervention, Van den Eynde tried to pick apart the prosecutors' case, arguing that rebellion was being mistaken for "disobedience". "Everything is an exaggeration, everything is noise and this noise... appears in the vocabulary, I wrote it down during the whole trial," he told the court. "'They were entrenched', 'barricades', 'human shields', 'they gave the starting gun shot', 'they had an arsenal', 'expressions of hate', 'siege', 'devastation'," he listed expressions used by prosecutors. "That's what the prosecution is saying: bias and exaggeration, and that takes away their credibility." While dismissing the charge of rebellion, Van den Eynde said at most there may have been an offence of disobedience, which in serious cases incurs a fine and a three-year ban from public office, but no jail time. The lawyer, also defending Raul Romeva who was in charge of foreign affairs for Catalonia at the time, recalled how police charged activists and voters on October 1, 2017 , as they tried to stop a banned independence referendum from going ahead. He recognised that some protesters confronted the police, but only in a handful of cases. Van den Eynde argued that three isolated cases were officially recorded, but were "disconnected" from the 12 accused, who "reject violence in any form." In his conclusion, Van den Eynde said the trial could be used to help overcome the secession crisis in Catalonia. "We're here, with our hand outstretched, to solve this conflict, and that's what I think this sentence should be."

Ex-Catalan VP's lawyer in last bid defence at separatist trial

Election authorities have banned Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont, who fled Spain in 2017 after a secession attempt, from running in EU polls, his party said Monday.

Together for Catalonia issued a statement accusing the electoral commission of wanting to "silence and push aside" Puigdemont "so that he can't explain what he represents at the heart of European institutions."

The commission decision, seen by AFP, also excludes Toni Comin, who was in Catalonia's regional government when the secession bid happened and is now in self-exile in Belgium.

Clara Ponsati, another former Catalan minister who fled Spain and planned to run in the elections, has been banned as well.

The commission would not comment when contacted by AFP.

Puigdemont, Comin and Ponsati were all part of a push to hold an independence referendum in October 2017 in defiance of a court ban.

That sparked Spain's deepest political crisis in decades.

The referendum in the wealthy northeastern region was followed by a short-lived declaration of independence.

Then conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy promptly moved in, taking direct control of the region, sacking the Catalan executive and calling snap polls.

That prompted Puigdemont and others to flee Spain.

Those Catalan leaders who remained in Spain are now on trial in Madrid over their role in the secession bid.

Election authorities have banned Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont, who fled Spain in 2017 after a secession attempt, from running in EU polls, his party said Monday.

Election authorities have banned Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont, who fled Spain in 2017 after a secession attempt, from running in EU polls, his party said Monday. Together for Catalonia issued a statement accusing the electoral commission of wanting to "silence and push aside" Puigdemont "so that he can't explain what he represents at the heart of European institutions." The commission decision, seen by AFP, also excludes Toni Comin, who was in Catalonia's regional government when the secession bid happened and is now in self-exile in Belgium. Clara Ponsati, another former Catalan minister who fled Spain and planned to run in the elections, has been banned as well. The commission would not comment when contacted by AFP. Puigdemont, Comin and Ponsati were all part of a push to hold an independence referendum in October 2017 in defiance of a court ban. That sparked Spain's deepest political crisis in decades. The referendum in the wealthy northeastern region was followed by a short-lived declaration of independence. Then conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy promptly moved in, taking direct control of the region, sacking the Catalan executive and calling snap polls. That prompted Puigdemont and others to flee Spain. Those Catalan leaders who remained in Spain are now on trial in Madrid over their role in the secession bid.

Catalonia's ex-leader Carles Puigdemont banned from European Union polls: Party

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won a national election on Sunday but failed to gain a parliamentary majority. Sanchez will now seek partners to form a new government.

Here are the likely next steps:

What happens now?

Sanchez will approach other parties in an attempt to find common ground to form a government. The talks could last weeks if not months.

The first session of the lower chamber is scheduled for May 21. After that, King Felipe will consult with party leaders to find a prime ministerial candidate who the lower chamber will support.

A new government needs an absolute majority in a first-round parliamentary vote to take office. In a second round vote, only a simple majority is necessary.

If the candidate fails to pass these votes, the clock starts ticking on a two-month deadline for deputies to choose a new prime minister before parliament is automatically dissolved, and another election scheduled to take place 54 days later.

What is the most likely outcome?

Most analysts believe the most likely result is a coalition government of the Socialists and leftist Podemos, although they would not have a majority.

At the last count, the Socialists had won 123 seats in parliament and Podemos 42. That leaves them 11 seats short of a majority in the 350-seat parliament and means they would still rely on smaller parties, most likely Basque nationalists or Catalan separatists, to go ahead.

The picture could still change slightly as the election count is finalised in the first weeks of May.

Other possible outcomes

If talks between the Socialists and Podemos fail, Sanchez could contact centre-right Ciudadanos, which became Spain's third-biggest party after Sunday's vote with 57 seats in parliament. The two parties would have a majority and many in the financial markets see this as the preferred option.

So far neither party has backed this option. Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera has told supporters his party would lead the parliamentary opposition to Sanchez while Socialist backers chanted "with Rivera, no!" at a post-election rally on Sunday.

Alternatively, senior members of Sanchez's government have suggested they could continue to govern with a minority of seats, as they have since taking office last June.

How long will it take?

After discussions with the parties, King Felipe faces no specific deadline to propose a candidate.

There are regional and local elections on May 26 - the same day as European Parliament elections - which will delay talks to form a government. That means a new government is unlikely to be ready until June or July.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won a national election on Sunday but failed to gain a parliamentary majority. Sanchez will now seek partners to form a new government.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won a national election on Sunday but failed to gain a parliamentary majority. Sanchez will now seek partners to form a new government. Here are the likely next steps: What happens now? Sanchez will approach other parties in an attempt to find common ground to form a government. The talks could last weeks if not months. The first session of the lower chamber is scheduled for May 21. After that, King Felipe will consult with party leaders to find a prime ministerial candidate who the lower chamber will support. A new government needs an absolute majority in a first-round parliamentary vote to take office. In a second round vote, only a simple majority is necessary. If the candidate fails to pass these votes, the clock starts ticking on a two-month deadline for deputies to choose a new prime minister before parliament is automatically dissolved, and another election scheduled to take place 54 days later. What is the most likely outcome? Most analysts believe the most likely result is a coalition government of the Socialists and leftist Podemos, although they would not have a majority. At the last count, the Socialists had won 123 seats in parliament and Podemos 42. That leaves them 11 seats short of a majority in the 350-seat parliament and means they would still rely on smaller parties, most likely Basque nationalists or Catalan separatists, to go ahead. The picture could still change slightly as the election count is finalised in the first weeks of May. Other possible outcomes If talks between the Socialists and Podemos fail, Sanchez could contact centre-right Ciudadanos, which became Spain's third-biggest party after Sunday's vote with 57 seats in parliament. The two parties would have a majority and many in the financial markets see this as the preferred option. So far neither party has backed this option. Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera has told supporters his party would lead the parliamentary opposition to Sanchez while Socialist backers chanted "with Rivera, no!" at a post-election rally on Sunday. Alternatively, senior members of Sanchez's government have suggested they could continue to govern with a minority of seats, as they have since taking office last June. How long will it take? After discussions with the parties, King Felipe faces no specific deadline to propose a candidate. There are regional and local elections on May 26 - the same day as European Parliament elections - which will delay talks to form a government. That means a new government is unlikely to be ready until June or July.

What happens next as Spain's Socialists try to form government

Spain voted Sunday in an uncertain snap general election marked by a resurgence of the far-right after more than four decades on the outer margins of politics.

Opinion polls give outgoing socialist premier Pedro Sanchez a win but without the necessary majority to govern alone, meaning he will have to seek alliances in a political environment that has soured since Catalonia's failed secession bid.

By far the novelty of these elections is the emergence of far-right party Vox, which burst onto the scene in December regional polls in southern Andalusia and looks set to make its first-ever entrance into the national parliament.

Polls predict it could take more than 10 percent of the votes in a country that had no far-right party to speak of since the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, in what is likely to cause further concern in Europe.

Polling stations will close at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT), with results announced later Sunday.

Retired construction worker Carlos Gonzalez told AFP at a polling station in Madrid that he had cast his ballot for the Socialists because they were a "moderate option".

Vox "is going backwards, to the past. It's not the future because the future is a united Europe," he added.

Sanchez, who took power in June after ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote, has warned against Spain replicating what happened in Finland's elections two weeks ago.

There, the far-right Finns Party came second, closely tailing the leftist Social Democrats, after polls initially predicted it would end up in fifth position.

In Spain, polls also forecast that Vox, with its ultra-nationalist rhetoric that advocates the "defence of the Spanish nation to the end," will come in fifth place.

But analysts believe it could do better, saying there may be many "hidden" Vox supporters who lie when asked by pollsters who they will be voting for.

"There is a real, true risk," Sanchez said this week, warning that a right-wing government supported by Vox could emerge in Spain after the elections, even if opinion polls say this is unlikely.

'Restore order'

Founded by a former member of the conservative Popular Party (PP), with a strong stance against feminism and illegal immigration, Vox has risen thanks to its hard line against separatists in Catalonia.

The region in northeastern Spain was the scene of a secession attempt in 2017 that sparked the country's biggest crisis in decades and caused major concern in Europe.

Since then, the crisis has continued to cast a pall over Spanish politics.

Sanchez was forced to call Sunday's early elections after Catalan pro-independence lawmakers in the national parliament, angered at the trial of their leaders in Madrid, refused to give him the support he needed for his 2019 budget.

Right-wing parties have for their part lambasted Sanchez, at the head of a minority government, for his attempts to negotiate with Catalan separatists who still govern the region, accusing him of being a traitor.

"I hope the right wins and restores a bit of order here," said Teresa Diaz, a 63-year-old pensioner, after casting her ballot in Hospitalet de Llobregat, near Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Chronic instability?

With no party expected to get anywhere near an absolute majority in what will be the third elections in three-and-a-half years, Spain's fragmented political landscape looks set to continue.

If, as opinion polls predict, Sanchez wins without a majority, he will have to forge alliances with far-left Podemos -- as he did over the past 10 months -- but also possibly smaller groupings like Catalan separatist parties.

He would rather not have to do that, given right-wing parties' accusations that he cosied up with the "enemies of Spain" during his time in government.

A possible alliance with Ciudadanos has not been ruled out, even if the centre-right party's leader Albert Rivera has made "chasing" the socialists from power a "national urgency." 
&nbsp;

Spain voted Sunday in an uncertain snap general election marked by a resurgence of the far-right after more than four decades on the outer margins of politics. Opinion polls give outgoing socialist premier Pedro Sanchez a win but without the necessary majority to govern alone, meaning he will have to seek alliances in a political environment that has soured since Catalonia's failed secession bid.

Spain voted Sunday in an uncertain snap general election marked by a resurgence of the far-right after more than four decades on the outer margins of politics. Opinion polls give outgoing socialist premier Pedro Sanchez a win but without the necessary majority to govern alone, meaning he will have to seek alliances in a political environment that has soured since Catalonia's failed secession bid. By far the novelty of these elections is the emergence of far-right party Vox, which burst onto the scene in December regional polls in southern Andalusia and looks set to make its first-ever entrance into the national parliament. Polls predict it could take more than 10 percent of the votes in a country that had no far-right party to speak of since the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, in what is likely to cause further concern in Europe. Polling stations will close at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT), with results announced later Sunday. Retired construction worker Carlos Gonzalez told AFP at a polling station in Madrid that he had cast his ballot for the Socialists because they were a "moderate option". Vox "is going backwards, to the past. It's not the future because the future is a united Europe," he added. Sanchez, who took power in June after ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote, has warned against Spain replicating what happened in Finland's elections two weeks ago. There, the far-right Finns Party came second, closely tailing the leftist Social Democrats, after polls initially predicted it would end up in fifth position. In Spain, polls also forecast that Vox, with its ultra-nationalist rhetoric that advocates the "defence of the Spanish nation to the end," will come in fifth place. But analysts believe it could do better, saying there may be many "hidden" Vox supporters who lie when asked by pollsters who they will be voting for. "There is a real, true risk," Sanchez said this week, warning that a right-wing government supported by Vox could emerge in Spain after the elections, even if opinion polls say this is unlikely. 'Restore order' Founded by a former member of the conservative Popular Party (PP), with a strong stance against feminism and illegal immigration, Vox has risen thanks to its hard line against separatists in Catalonia. The region in northeastern Spain was the scene of a secession attempt in 2017 that sparked the country's biggest crisis in decades and caused major concern in Europe. Since then, the crisis has continued to cast a pall over Spanish politics. Sanchez was forced to call Sunday's early elections after Catalan pro-independence lawmakers in the national parliament, angered at the trial of their leaders in Madrid, refused to give him the support he needed for his 2019 budget. Right-wing parties have for their part lambasted Sanchez, at the head of a minority government, for his attempts to negotiate with Catalan separatists who still govern the region, accusing him of being a traitor. "I hope the right wins and restores a bit of order here," said Teresa Diaz, a 63-year-old pensioner, after casting her ballot in Hospitalet de Llobregat, near Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Chronic instability? With no party expected to get anywhere near an absolute majority in what will be the third elections in three-and-a-half years, Spain's fragmented political landscape looks set to continue. If, as opinion polls predict, Sanchez wins without a majority, he will have to forge alliances with far-left Podemos -- as he did over the past 10 months -- but also possibly smaller groupings like Catalan separatist parties. He would rather not have to do that, given right-wing parties' accusations that he cosied up with the "enemies of Spain" during his time in government. A possible alliance with Ciudadanos has not been ruled out, even if the centre-right party's leader Albert Rivera has made "chasing" the socialists from power a "national urgency."

Spain votes in early election marked by far-right resurgence

Spaniards began voting in an uncertain snap general election Sunday marked by a resurgence of the far-right after more than four decades on the outer margins of politics.

Opinion polls give outgoing socialist premier Pedro Sanchez a win but without the necessary majority to govern alone, meaning he will have to seek alliances in a political environment that has soured since Catalonia's failed secession bid.

By far the novelty of these elections is the emergence of far-right party Vox, which burst onto the scene in December regional polls in southern Andalusia and looks set to make its first-ever entrance into the national parliament.

Polls predict it could take more than 10 per cent of the votes in a country that had no far-right party to speak of since the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, in what is likely to cause further concern in Europe.

Polling stations opened at 9:00 am (0700 GMT) and will close at 8:00 pm local time (1800 GMT), with results announced later Sunday.

Far-right surge

Sanchez, who took power in June after ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote, has warned against Spain replicating what happened in Finland's elections two weeks ago.

There, the far-right Finns Party came second, closely tailing the leftist Social Democrats, after polls initially predicted it would end up in fifth position.

In Spain, polls also forecast that Vox, with its ultra-nationalist rhetoric that advocates the "defence of the Spanish nation to the end," will come in fifth place.

But analysts believe it could do better, saying there may be many "hidden" Vox supporters who lie when asked by pollsters who they will be voting for.

"There is a real, true risk," Sanchez said this week, warning that a right-wing government supported by Vox could emerge in Spain after the elections, even if opinion polls say this is unlikely.

Catalonia shadow&nbsp;

Founded by a former member of the conservative Popular Party (PP), with a strong stance against feminism and illegal immigration, Vox has risen thanks to its hard line against separatists in Catalonia.

The region in northeastern Spain was the scene of a secession attempt in 2017 that sparked the country's biggest crisis in decades and caused major concern in Europe.

Since then, the crisis has continued to cast a pall over Spanish politics.

Sanchez was forced to call Sunday's early elections after Catalan pro-independence lawmakers in the national parliament, angered at the trial of their leaders in Madrid, refused to give him the support he needed for his 2019 budget.

Right-wing parties have for their part lambasted Sanchez, at the head of a minority government, for his attempts to negotiate with Catalan separatists who still govern the region, accusing him of being a traitor.

Chronic instability?&nbsp;

With no party expected to get anywhere near an absolute majority in what will be the third elections in three-and-a-half years, Spain's fragmented political landscape looks set to continue.

If, as opinion polls predict, Sanchez wins without a majority, he will have to forge alliances with far-left Podemos -- as he did over the past 10 months -- but also possibly smaller groupings like Catalan separatist parties.

He would rather not have to do that, given right-wing parties' accusations that he cosied up with the "enemies of Spain" during his time in government.

A possible alliance with Ciudadanos has not been ruled out, even if the centre-right party's leader Albert Rivera has made "chasing" the socialists from power a "national urgency."

"Fragmented Spain votes with great uncertainty," headlined top-selling daily El Pais on its front page on Sunday, while rival daily El Mundo headlined: "Spain votes today on tenterhooks due to the uncertainty".

Spaniards began voting in an uncertain snap general election Sunday marked by a resurgence of the far-right after more than four decades on the outer margins of politics.

Spaniards began voting in an uncertain snap general election Sunday marked by a resurgence of the far-right after more than four decades on the outer margins of politics. Opinion polls give outgoing socialist premier Pedro Sanchez a win but without the necessary majority to govern alone, meaning he will have to seek alliances in a political environment that has soured since Catalonia's failed secession bid. By far the novelty of these elections is the emergence of far-right party Vox, which burst onto the scene in December regional polls in southern Andalusia and looks set to make its first-ever entrance into the national parliament. Polls predict it could take more than 10 per cent of the votes in a country that had no far-right party to speak of since the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, in what is likely to cause further concern in Europe. Polling stations opened at 9:00 am (0700 GMT) and will close at 8:00 pm local time (1800 GMT), with results announced later Sunday. Far-right surge Sanchez, who took power in June after ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote, has warned against Spain replicating what happened in Finland's elections two weeks ago. There, the far-right Finns Party came second, closely tailing the leftist Social Democrats, after polls initially predicted it would end up in fifth position. In Spain, polls also forecast that Vox, with its ultra-nationalist rhetoric that advocates the "defence of the Spanish nation to the end," will come in fifth place. But analysts believe it could do better, saying there may be many "hidden" Vox supporters who lie when asked by pollsters who they will be voting for. "There is a real, true risk," Sanchez said this week, warning that a right-wing government supported by Vox could emerge in Spain after the elections, even if opinion polls say this is unlikely. Catalonia shadow Founded by a former member of the conservative Popular Party (PP), with a strong stance against feminism and illegal immigration, Vox has risen thanks to its hard line against separatists in Catalonia. The region in northeastern Spain was the scene of a secession attempt in 2017 that sparked the country's biggest crisis in decades and caused major concern in Europe. Since then, the crisis has continued to cast a pall over Spanish politics. Sanchez was forced to call Sunday's early elections after Catalan pro-independence lawmakers in the national parliament, angered at the trial of their leaders in Madrid, refused to give him the support he needed for his 2019 budget. Right-wing parties have for their part lambasted Sanchez, at the head of a minority government, for his attempts to negotiate with Catalan separatists who still govern the region, accusing him of being a traitor. Chronic instability? With no party expected to get anywhere near an absolute majority in what will be the third elections in three-and-a-half years, Spain's fragmented political landscape looks set to continue. If, as opinion polls predict, Sanchez wins without a majority, he will have to forge alliances with far-left Podemos -- as he did over the past 10 months -- but also possibly smaller groupings like Catalan separatist parties. He would rather not have to do that, given right-wing parties' accusations that he cosied up with the "enemies of Spain" during his time in government. A possible alliance with Ciudadanos has not been ruled out, even if the centre-right party's leader Albert Rivera has made "chasing" the socialists from power a "national urgency." "Fragmented Spain votes with great uncertainty," headlined top-selling daily El Pais on its front page on Sunday, while rival daily El Mundo headlined: "Spain votes today on tenterhooks due to the uncertainty".

Voting begins in Spain election marked by far-right resurgence

Spanish elections: 5 main issues at stake in Sunday's polls

There will be no independence for Catalonia, nor a referendum on the question if the socialists are returned to power, Spanish Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pedro-sanchez-sworn-in-as-new-spanish-prime-minister-141841&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjswIy6h8DhAhUG4HMBHeU8BIsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Ryfy0oGBssh3HdmBIEj7C">Pedro Sanchez </a>told supporters Sunday.

"No is no," Sanchez told a Socialist Party meeting at Zaragoza, in the northeast region of Aragon, ahead of the April 28 legislative elections.

"If there is a<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-clamor-for-fresh-elections-in-spain-as-catalan-crisis-trundles-on-196712&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjKv63dh8DhAhXj8XMBHVZUAJoQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1DNR0cN5PzrKRkK7QgkswJ"> socialist government</a>, there will be no independence in Catalonia, there will be no referendum for independence and the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-separatists-trial-set-for-february-12-court-194516&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjKv63dh8DhAhXj8XMBHVZUAJoQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1v5P6kUU7crQuGZXzFf_6O">Spanish constitution </a>in Catalonia will not be violated -- that will not happen," he added.

Sanchez's speech came after the Socialists' leader in Catalonia, Miquel Iceta, said in a newspaper interview in late March that if in a hypothetical referendum, "65 per cent of Catalans wanted independence, democracy would have to find a mechanism to enable it".

Iceta later disavowed his remarks, which have been heavily criticized by the rightwing opposition People's Party and led to allegations that Sanchez is preparing a deal with Catalonia's separatists.

Twelve Catalan leaders are on trial in Madrid over an independence referendum that was held on October 1st, 2017, despite a court ban, as well as a short-lived declaration of independence that followed.

Many separatists argue that their leaders were jailed for political reasons and will not have a fair trial.

There will be no independence for Catalonia, nor a referendum on the question if the socialists are returned to power, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told supporters Sunday.

There will be no independence for Catalonia, nor a referendum on the question if the socialists are returned to power, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told supporters Sunday. "No is no," Sanchez told a Socialist Party meeting at Zaragoza, in the northeast region of Aragon, ahead of the April 28 legislative elections. "If there is a socialist government, there will be no independence in Catalonia, there will be no referendum for independence and the Spanish constitution in Catalonia will not be violated -- that will not happen," he added. Sanchez's speech came after the Socialists' leader in Catalonia, Miquel Iceta, said in a newspaper interview in late March that if in a hypothetical referendum, "65 per cent of Catalans wanted independence, democracy would have to find a mechanism to enable it". Iceta later disavowed his remarks, which have been heavily criticized by the rightwing opposition People's Party and led to allegations that Sanchez is preparing a deal with Catalonia's separatists. Twelve Catalan leaders are on trial in Madrid over an independence referendum that was held on October 1st, 2017, despite a court ban, as well as a short-lived declaration of independence that followed. Many separatists argue that their leaders were jailed for political reasons and will not have a fair trial.

No independence for Catalonia, says PM Pedro

Activists blocked roads and rail lines in Catalonia on Thursday while tens of thousands took to the streets during a region-wide strike against the trial of separatist leaders for their role in a failed 2017 secession attempt.

On Thursday evening 40,000 people rallied along one of Barcelona's major avenues, police said, while earlier around 1,000 demonstrators gathered in the central University Square, where the city's oldest university stands.

Four people were arrested with 37 people injured in clashes including six police.&nbsp;

Called by a small pro-independence union, Intersindical CSC, but without the backing of larger unions, the one-day strike was not widely followed in the northeastern region.

Public transport in Barcelona was slower than usual but most shops remained open.

Traffic authorities in Catalonia said activists cut off around 20 roads, including the A7 highway that links Spain to France, the A2 between Madrid and Barcelona and the main entry points to the Mediterranean city.

Police cleared several of the road blocks and detained two protesters, a spokesman said.

Activists also briefly blocked train traffic by occupying the tracks at a station in Barcelona and in other parts of the region, according to the company that manages Spain's rail network.

"We're here in solidarity with those who are victims of a trial that just doesn't hold water," said Jaume Sole, a 45-year-old engineer.

'Politically-motivated'

The Catalan employers' association has denounced the work stoppage as politically motivated.

Separatist parties and associations are backing it.

They began mobilising last week in solidarity with the Catalan separatist leaders on trial for pushing a secession referendum in October 2017 in defiance of a court ban, and a subsequent short-lived declaration of independence.

On Saturday, around 200,000 people including regional president Quim Torra protested in central Barcelona, police said, behind a banner that read "self-determination is not a crime."

Torra's separatist executive has expressed solidarity with the strike and cancelled all official events planned for Thursday.

The trial of the Catalan separatists started on February 12 under intense domestic and foreign scrutiny.

It was due to last three months but the court on Wednesday sped up the process to try and finish the trial before snap general elections on April 28.

Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium soon after the declaration of independence on October 27, 2017, is not among the defendants as Spain doesn't judge people in absentia for major offences.

So far, those on trial have defended the peaceful nature of the secession movement.

They have justified holding the referendum on a democratic mandate they say they got from voters in Catalonia who handed separatist parties a majority in 2015 polls.

This prompted unusually outspoken comments from King Felipe VI on Wednesday who said it was "unacceptable to appeal to a so-called democracy that is above the law."

'Criminalising' a protest

Defendants have also said the proclamation of independence was a mere political declaration without legal effect.

On Thursday, Santi Vila, a regional government member at the time, said the referendum was actually "a big political mobilisation" rather than a plebiscite given the Constitutional Court had banned it.

"It was about tightening the rope without it breaking," Vila, who faces up to seven years in jail for misuse of public funds and disobedience, told the court.

Prosecutors accuse the defendants of implementing a strategy concerted by the regional government, parliament and pro-independence associations to achieve secession outside the law.

They accuse nine of them of rebellion, a serious offence that implies a "violent uprising."

Prosecutors point for instance to damage made to police cars during a pre-referendum protest on September 20, 2017, or claim separatists used citizens as "human walls" against police dispatched to stop the referendum.

Independence supporters and the defendant's lawyers, however, argue there was never any violence.

Jordi Sanchez, head of the powerful ANC pro-independence association who was at the protest on September 20 and faces up to 17 years in prison, accused prosecutors of "criminalising and penalising a demonstration." 
&nbsp;

Activists blocked roads and rail lines in Catalonia on Thursday while tens of thousands took to the streets during a region-wide strike against the trial of separatist leaders for their role in a failed 2017 secession attempt.

Activists blocked roads and rail lines in Catalonia on Thursday while tens of thousands took to the streets during a region-wide strike against the trial of separatist leaders for their role in a failed 2017 secession attempt. On Thursday evening 40,000 people rallied along one of Barcelona's major avenues, police said, while earlier around 1,000 demonstrators gathered in the central University Square, where the city's oldest university stands. Four people were arrested with 37 people injured in clashes including six police. Called by a small pro-independence union, Intersindical CSC, but without the backing of larger unions, the one-day strike was not widely followed in the northeastern region. Public transport in Barcelona was slower than usual but most shops remained open. Traffic authorities in Catalonia said activists cut off around 20 roads, including the A7 highway that links Spain to France, the A2 between Madrid and Barcelona and the main entry points to the Mediterranean city. Police cleared several of the road blocks and detained two protesters, a spokesman said. Activists also briefly blocked train traffic by occupying the tracks at a station in Barcelona and in other parts of the region, according to the company that manages Spain's rail network. "We're here in solidarity with those who are victims of a trial that just doesn't hold water," said Jaume Sole, a 45-year-old engineer. 'Politically-motivated' The Catalan employers' association has denounced the work stoppage as politically motivated. Separatist parties and associations are backing it. They began mobilising last week in solidarity with the Catalan separatist leaders on trial for pushing a secession referendum in October 2017 in defiance of a court ban, and a subsequent short-lived declaration of independence. On Saturday, around 200,000 people including regional president Quim Torra protested in central Barcelona, police said, behind a banner that read "self-determination is not a crime." Torra's separatist executive has expressed solidarity with the strike and cancelled all official events planned for Thursday. The trial of the Catalan separatists started on February 12 under intense domestic and foreign scrutiny. It was due to last three months but the court on Wednesday sped up the process to try and finish the trial before snap general elections on April 28. Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium soon after the declaration of independence on October 27, 2017, is not among the defendants as Spain doesn't judge people in absentia for major offences. So far, those on trial have defended the peaceful nature of the secession movement. They have justified holding the referendum on a democratic mandate they say they got from voters in Catalonia who handed separatist parties a majority in 2015 polls. This prompted unusually outspoken comments from King Felipe VI on Wednesday who said it was "unacceptable to appeal to a so-called democracy that is above the law." 'Criminalising' a protest Defendants have also said the proclamation of independence was a mere political declaration without legal effect. On Thursday, Santi Vila, a regional government member at the time, said the referendum was actually "a big political mobilisation" rather than a plebiscite given the Constitutional Court had banned it. "It was about tightening the rope without it breaking," Vila, who faces up to seven years in jail for misuse of public funds and disobedience, told the court. Prosecutors accuse the defendants of implementing a strategy concerted by the regional government, parliament and pro-independence associations to achieve secession outside the law. They accuse nine of them of rebellion, a serious offence that implies a "violent uprising." Prosecutors point for instance to damage made to police cars during a pre-referendum protest on September 20, 2017, or claim separatists used citizens as "human walls" against police dispatched to stop the referendum. Independence supporters and the defendant's lawyers, however, argue there was never any violence. Jordi Sanchez, head of the powerful ANC pro-independence association who was at the protest on September 20 and faces up to 17 years in prison, accused prosecutors of "criminalising and penalising a demonstration."

Road blocks, strike in Catalonia against separatists' trial

Catalan activist groups burned tyres and tried to block highways across northeast Spain on Thursday as part of a day of protests against the trial of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-separatist-defends-peaceful-independence-movement-at-trial-197490">12 separatist political leaders</a> for their part in a declaration of independence in 2017.

Eleven highways in Catalonia were affected by the protests, police reported, adding that they were working to keep traffic flowing. Police said there had been some scuffles with protesters but no major incidents were reported.

Members of local groups, working under the name Committees for the Defence of the Republic (CDRs), have staged similar protests across the region ever since the arrests following the illegal declaration of secession in the Catalan parliament.

The 12 Catalan separatist leaders went on trial in Madrid last week over the failed independence bid that triggered Spain's biggest political crisis in decades.

On Thursday, pro-independence Catalans plan to strike as part of protests which will include marches held by supporters of civil groups Omnium and the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) at midday and a bigger march in the evening.

The extent of the strike was not immediately clear while police said major roads had been reopened after initial obstructions to traffic had been removed.

Former ANC leader Jordi Sanchez and the ex-head of Omnium Jordi Cuixart are in the dock on Thursday as part of the trial which is expected to last for at least three months.

Defendants face charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds, which they all deny.

Catalan activist groups burned tyres and tried to block highways across northeast Spain on Thursday as part of a day of protests against the trial of 12 separatist political leaders for their part in a declaration of independence in 2017.

Catalan activist groups burned tyres and tried to block highways across northeast Spain on Thursday as part of a day of protests against the trial of 12 separatist political leaders for their part in a declaration of independence in 2017. Eleven highways in Catalonia were affected by the protests, police reported, adding that they were working to keep traffic flowing. Police said there had been some scuffles with protesters but no major incidents were reported. Members of local groups, working under the name Committees for the Defence of the Republic (CDRs), have staged similar protests across the region ever since the arrests following the illegal declaration of secession in the Catalan parliament. The 12 Catalan separatist leaders went on trial in Madrid last week over the failed independence bid that triggered Spain's biggest political crisis in decades. On Thursday, pro-independence Catalans plan to strike as part of protests which will include marches held by supporters of civil groups Omnium and the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) at midday and a bigger march in the evening. The extent of the strike was not immediately clear while police said major roads had been reopened after initial obstructions to traffic had been removed. Former ANC leader Jordi Sanchez and the ex-head of Omnium Jordi Cuixart are in the dock on Thursday as part of the trial which is expected to last for at least three months. Defendants face charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds, which they all deny.

Catalonia protesters burn tires, block highways over separatist trial

At the helm of the hugely divisive trial of Catalan separatist leaders, Supreme Court judge Manuel Marchena is performing a difficult balancing act, alternating firmness and leniency in live proceedings.

Seen as close to the conservative Popular Party (PP), which has taken a hard line against Catalan separatists, Marchena has trodden carefully in a trial he knows is under the domestic and foreign spotlight.

"At stake is his prestige, the prestige of the Supreme Court as well as the international image of Spain's judiciary," Xavier Vidal-Folch, deputy director of the El Pais daily, told Spanish radio on Wednesday.

He described Marchena as handling the proceedings "with great skill, with a little subtle irony and a lot of flexibility".

"Let's be serious," Marchena told one defence lawyer when refusing his demand to have Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont -- the main protagonist of a failed secession attempt in 2017 who fled Spain -- testify as a witness.

"You can't be a witness in the morning and a defendant in the afternoon."

But the 59-year-old judge, who has since 2014 presided over the criminal division of the Supreme Court, has also reprimanded prosecutors for some of their questions.

He also cut short the popular prosecution, a Spain-specific set-up that allows any citizen or organisation to be an accuser in court alongside public prosecutors -- in this case far-right party Vox.

Marchena warned the lawyer representing Vox that he would not allow "an ideological debate" in the courtroom.

An eye on Europe&nbsp;

The trial against 12 Catalan separatist leaders and activists, nine of whom are accused of rebellion, raised passions even before it started on February 12.

It is fiercely rejected by independence supporters in Catalonia but also fiercely supported by many Spaniards who watched aghast as Catalonia's executive tried to break from Spain in October 2017.

Such were the accusations of partiality levelled against Spain's judiciary that the proceedings are being broadcast live on television in an effort at transparency.

And Marchena has showed a degree of leniency towards the defendants.

When the popular prosecution asked him to tell one defendant to remove a yellow ribbon he was wearing that has come to symbolise the independence movement's cause, he overruled it.

On the first day of the trial, Marchena "gave time and absolute freedom to all sorts of arguments", legal or political, from the defence lawyers, says Celso Rodriguez Padron, spokesman for the conservative-leaning Magistrates' Professional Association.

To support some of his decisions, Marchena has referred to legal precedents set by the European Court of Human Rights, knowing the defendants will likely take the case to the European body, says Ignacio Gonzalez Vega, spokesman for the progressive Judges for Democracy professional association.

WhatsApp controversy

Even before the trial, Catalan independence supporters were wary of Marchena, who will be writing up the sentence at the end.

Some of those on trial tried in vain to recuse him, claiming he was impartial and had alleged links to the PP, in power at the time of the secession bid.

They cited as an example a leaked WhatsApp message by conservative senator Ignacio Cosido who in November welcomed the promotion of Marchena at the head of the Supreme Court.

Cosido said it would allow the conservatives to "control" the court "behind the scenes", raising doubts over Marchena's independence.

After the controversy this generated, Marchena gave up the promotion and remained at the head of the criminal division of the Supreme Court.

Gonzalez Vega tells AFP Marchena is indeed a conservative judge.

But his supporters point to his track record as a prosecutor before he was named Supreme Court judge in 2007, and since then.

He "is a very well qualified magistrate, and there is no doubt over his independence," says Julio Perez Gil, a professor of procedural law at the University of Burgos who knows him personally.

At the helm of the hugely divisive trial of Catalan separatist leaders, Supreme Court judge Manuel Marchena is performing a difficult balancing act, alternating firmness and leniency in live proceedings.

At the helm of the hugely divisive trial of Catalan separatist leaders, Supreme Court judge Manuel Marchena is performing a difficult balancing act, alternating firmness and leniency in live proceedings. Seen as close to the conservative Popular Party (PP), which has taken a hard line against Catalan separatists, Marchena has trodden carefully in a trial he knows is under the domestic and foreign spotlight. "At stake is his prestige, the prestige of the Supreme Court as well as the international image of Spain's judiciary," Xavier Vidal-Folch, deputy director of the El Pais daily, told Spanish radio on Wednesday. He described Marchena as handling the proceedings "with great skill, with a little subtle irony and a lot of flexibility". "Let's be serious," Marchena told one defence lawyer when refusing his demand to have Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont -- the main protagonist of a failed secession attempt in 2017 who fled Spain -- testify as a witness. "You can't be a witness in the morning and a defendant in the afternoon." But the 59-year-old judge, who has since 2014 presided over the criminal division of the Supreme Court, has also reprimanded prosecutors for some of their questions. He also cut short the popular prosecution, a Spain-specific set-up that allows any citizen or organisation to be an accuser in court alongside public prosecutors -- in this case far-right party Vox. Marchena warned the lawyer representing Vox that he would not allow "an ideological debate" in the courtroom. An eye on Europe The trial against 12 Catalan separatist leaders and activists, nine of whom are accused of rebellion, raised passions even before it started on February 12. It is fiercely rejected by independence supporters in Catalonia but also fiercely supported by many Spaniards who watched aghast as Catalonia's executive tried to break from Spain in October 2017. Such were the accusations of partiality levelled against Spain's judiciary that the proceedings are being broadcast live on television in an effort at transparency. And Marchena has showed a degree of leniency towards the defendants. When the popular prosecution asked him to tell one defendant to remove a yellow ribbon he was wearing that has come to symbolise the independence movement's cause, he overruled it. On the first day of the trial, Marchena "gave time and absolute freedom to all sorts of arguments", legal or political, from the defence lawyers, says Celso Rodriguez Padron, spokesman for the conservative-leaning Magistrates' Professional Association. To support some of his decisions, Marchena has referred to legal precedents set by the European Court of Human Rights, knowing the defendants will likely take the case to the European body, says Ignacio Gonzalez Vega, spokesman for the progressive Judges for Democracy professional association. WhatsApp controversy Even before the trial, Catalan independence supporters were wary of Marchena, who will be writing up the sentence at the end. Some of those on trial tried in vain to recuse him, claiming he was impartial and had alleged links to the PP, in power at the time of the secession bid. They cited as an example a leaked WhatsApp message by conservative senator Ignacio Cosido who in November welcomed the promotion of Marchena at the head of the Supreme Court. Cosido said it would allow the conservatives to "control" the court "behind the scenes", raising doubts over Marchena's independence. After the controversy this generated, Marchena gave up the promotion and remained at the head of the criminal division of the Supreme Court. Gonzalez Vega tells AFP Marchena is indeed a conservative judge. But his supporters point to his track record as a prosecutor before he was named Supreme Court judge in 2007, and since then. He "is a very well qualified magistrate, and there is no doubt over his independence," says Julio Perez Gil, a professor of procedural law at the University of Burgos who knows him personally.

At Catalan separatist trial, judge Marchena walks tightrope

Thousands march through Barcelona claiming independence

Twelve Catalan politicians go on trial on Tuesday (February 12) for their role in Catalonia's failed 2017 independence bid, but they don't think they will get a fair trial, a defence lawyer said on Monday.

The case puts the spotlight back on Spain's biggest political crisis in decades and could make it flare once again as it refocuses attention on the region's push for secession.

The trial will decide if Catalan nationalist leaders stay in jail for their role in an independence drive banned by the Spanish Constitution.

The public prosecutor is seeking prison terms of up to 25 years on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.

Supporters of Catalan independence say they are political prisoners, while Madrid accuses them of breaking the law.

Mariano Rajoy, who was Spanish prime minister at the time of the independence vote and its aftermath, will be among the witnesses.

The last time a trial for rebellion was held in Spain was in 1982 after a failed military coup attempt. Its leader, found guilty of rebellion by a military court, was sentenced to 30 years of prison.

Twelve Catalan politicians go on trial on Tuesday (February 12) for their role in Catalonia's failed 2017 independence bid, but they don't think they will get a fair trial, a defence lawyer said on Monday.

Twelve Catalan politicians go on trial on Tuesday (February 12) for their role in Catalonia's failed 2017 independence bid, but they don't think they will get a fair trial, a defence lawyer said on Monday. The case puts the spotlight back on Spain's biggest political crisis in decades and could make it flare once again as it refocuses attention on the region's push for secession. The trial will decide if Catalan nationalist leaders stay in jail for their role in an independence drive banned by the Spanish Constitution. The public prosecutor is seeking prison terms of up to 25 years on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds. Supporters of Catalan independence say they are political prisoners, while Madrid accuses them of breaking the law. Mariano Rajoy, who was Spanish prime minister at the time of the independence vote and its aftermath, will be among the witnesses. The last time a trial for rebellion was held in Spain was in 1982 after a failed military coup attempt. Its leader, found guilty of rebellion by a military court, was sentenced to 30 years of prison.

Jailed Catalan leaders doubt they will get a fair trial: Defence lawyer

Red and yellow Spanish flags daubed the front pages of the country's conservative newspapers on Sunday as the capital braced for what was billed to be the biggest challenge to Spain’s prime minister since he took office, as tens of thousands of aggrieved opposition supporters called for fresh elections over what they consider his mishandling of the territorial crisis in Catalonia.&nbsp;

By midday, the colours were even more ubiquitous as a sea of flag-waving protesters washed into Madrid's Plaza de Colón, home of the largest Spanish flag in the world, where civilians and politicians launched what felt like an unofficial election campaign against Pedro Sánchez, leader of the Socialist Party (PSOE).

"I'm here to ask for elections, the prime minister we have at the moment is only occupying himself with the one region (Catalonia) in order to stay in power," said 23-year-old nursing student Juan Antonio, who declined to give his surname.&nbsp;

Sánchez's decision to take a diplomatic route when dealing with the regional government in Catalonia lies at the heart of the discontent being vented at the downtown Madrid square.

To some, including opposition party leaders, his actions are considered tantamount to treason.

But for Juan Antonio, it was the electoral process – or lack thereof in his view – that presented a pressing concern.

"I am not some sort of radical, the only thing I want is for Pedro Sánchez to govern for all Spaniards," he said.&nbsp;

Sánchez came to power on the back of a no-confidence vote in June 2018 against his conservative predecessor Mariano Rajoy, of the Popular Party.&nbsp;

Although his ascent was conducted in accordance with Spain's Constitution, his opponents have singled the process out as reason enough for new elections in Spain.

He currently presides of a minority government that relies on smaller parties, including Catalan separatist outfits, to pass legislation.&nbsp;

The PP and the centre-right Ciudadanos organized the protest after Sánchez's government unveiled a proposal to appoint a mediator to facilitate dialogue with the regional Catalan leaders. Vox, an emergent far-right group, also signed up for the event.&nbsp;

"No more socialist surrender, no more pro-independence blackmail," Pablo Casado, the leader of the PP, told reporters gathered in a cordoned-off area near the vast monument to Christopher Columbus at the square, which is dedicated to the Italian explorer's exploits in the name of the crown of Castille.&nbsp;

"Today begins the reconquest of the hearts of Spaniards who have said: enough," added the leader of the opposition, who has previously flung accusations of high treason toward the PM for his approach to Catalonia. "We say enough is enough; call elections now," he said.&nbsp;

Albert Rivera, the leader of Ciudadanos – a party initially founded in the Catalonia region to campaign against separatist outfits – also gave an address with the same message at its heart.&nbsp;

"That's enough of separatists defining our journey and enough of the Spanish population forced to be at the service of those who want to liquidate this country," he said.&nbsp;

Parties on the Spanish right have found common cause in the Catalan crisis as all stand firmly against concessions or negotiations but the logistical affiliation linking the PP, Ciudadanos, and Vox, is insecure.&nbsp;

The leaders of the more mainstream outfits were careful not to share a podium with the ultra-nationalist Vox, whose leader Santiago Abascal, also spoke at the demonstration.

Although a small party, Vox has gained media attention for its controversial views on women's rights and immigration.

All of the main political figures at the event did, however, strike a pose together for a group photograph.

Vox acted as kingmaker when it broke onto Spain's political stage in the regional Andalusian elections late last year. The PP now governs the populous region with the backing of Ciudadanos and Vox following an agreement that brought an end to 40-years of socialist rule there.&nbsp;

Socialist Party officials were quick to downplay the magnitude of the demonstration.&nbsp;

PSOE’s deputy secretary general, Adriana Lastra, shared a graph on her Twitter page which allegedly showed the declining number of attendants at conservative-backed protests of the years.&nbsp;

"Spain has turned its back on the far right," she said.

Center-left and left-wing politicians highlighted that the Gay Pride parade in 2018 and International Women's Day had drawn bigger crowds.

Speaking from the northern city of Santander, where he was attending an event, Sánchez said that he respected the demonstration but defended his government's actions.

"What I'm doing now as prime minister is resolving the national crisis that the PP aggravated when it was in government," he said.

The left-wing Podemos party was more stinging in its criticism of the demonstration's organizers.&nbsp;

"I am sure that many of those protesting in Plaza de Colón today love Spain, the problem is that the organizers don't," said Pablo Echenique, head of party organization, said. "The organizers live off promoting hate between Spanish people," he added.&nbsp;

The demonstration came just days before 12 jailed Catalan separatist politicians and activists, including former ministers and the former regional vice-president, are due to go on trial at the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Here they could face charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for their alleged role in an illegal independence referendum that in Oct. 2017 brought the country to the brink of a constitutional crisis.&nbsp;

The Catalan crisis, which had been simmering for years, exploded in 2017 with the events that led up to the Oct. 1 referendum on the prosperous region's secession from the rest of the country, which was deemed unconstitutional by the judiciary.

Several weeks later, the regional government unilaterally declared independence and Spain triggered a constitutional mechanism, Article 155, to strip the region of its autonomy, depose the local government and dissolve parliament.

Fresh elections saw the pro-independence parties again eke out a slim majority in the regional parliament, thus assuring a continuation of the territorial conflict between Barcelona and Madrid.&nbsp;

While the Socialist Party opposes Catalan independence, Sánchez only rose to power thanks to the votes of the Catalan European Democratic Party (PDeCat) and the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) party, whose lawmakers backed him in the successful no-confidence vote against Rajoy.

The Spanish government now desperately needs those same votes from ERC and PDeCAT, who now jointly govern Catalonia, in order to pass an ambitious budget bill that would be doomed without the Catalan nationalists' support.

Both Rivera Casado have urged the government to re-apply Article 155 of the Constitution on Catalonia.&nbsp;

Red and yellow Spanish flags daubed the front pages of the country's conservative newspapers on Sunday as the capital braced for what was billed to be the biggest challenge to Spain’s prime minister since he took office, as tens of thousands of aggrieved opposition supporters called for fresh elections over what they consider his mishandling of the territorial crisis in Catalonia.

Red and yellow Spanish flags daubed the front pages of the country's conservative newspapers on Sunday as the capital braced for what was billed to be the biggest challenge to Spain’s prime minister since he took office, as tens of thousands of aggrieved opposition supporters called for fresh elections over what they consider his mishandling of the territorial crisis in Catalonia. By midday, the colours were even more ubiquitous as a sea of flag-waving protesters washed into Madrid's Plaza de Colón, home of the largest Spanish flag in the world, where civilians and politicians launched what felt like an unofficial election campaign against Pedro Sánchez, leader of the Socialist Party (PSOE). "I'm here to ask for elections, the prime minister we have at the moment is only occupying himself with the one region (Catalonia) in order to stay in power," said 23-year-old nursing student Juan Antonio, who declined to give his surname. Sánchez's decision to take a diplomatic route when dealing with the regional government in Catalonia lies at the heart of the discontent being vented at the downtown Madrid square. To some, including opposition party leaders, his actions are considered tantamount to treason. But for Juan Antonio, it was the electoral process – or lack thereof in his view – that presented a pressing concern. "I am not some sort of radical, the only thing I want is for Pedro Sánchez to govern for all Spaniards," he said. Sánchez came to power on the back of a no-confidence vote in June 2018 against his conservative predecessor Mariano Rajoy, of the Popular Party. Although his ascent was conducted in accordance with Spain's Constitution, his opponents have singled the process out as reason enough for new elections in Spain. He currently presides of a minority government that relies on smaller parties, including Catalan separatist outfits, to pass legislation. The PP and the centre-right Ciudadanos organized the protest after Sánchez's government unveiled a proposal to appoint a mediator to facilitate dialogue with the regional Catalan leaders. Vox, an emergent far-right group, also signed up for the event. "No more socialist surrender, no more pro-independence blackmail," Pablo Casado, the leader of the PP, told reporters gathered in a cordoned-off area near the vast monument to Christopher Columbus at the square, which is dedicated to the Italian explorer's exploits in the name of the crown of Castille. "Today begins the reconquest of the hearts of Spaniards who have said: enough," added the leader of the opposition, who has previously flung accusations of high treason toward the PM for his approach to Catalonia. "We say enough is enough; call elections now," he said. Albert Rivera, the leader of Ciudadanos – a party initially founded in the Catalonia region to campaign against separatist outfits – also gave an address with the same message at its heart. "That's enough of separatists defining our journey and enough of the Spanish population forced to be at the service of those who want to liquidate this country," he said. Parties on the Spanish right have found common cause in the Catalan crisis as all stand firmly against concessions or negotiations but the logistical affiliation linking the PP, Ciudadanos, and Vox, is insecure. The leaders of the more mainstream outfits were careful not to share a podium with the ultra-nationalist Vox, whose leader Santiago Abascal, also spoke at the demonstration. Although a small party, Vox has gained media attention for its controversial views on women's rights and immigration. All of the main political figures at the event did, however, strike a pose together for a group photograph. Vox acted as kingmaker when it broke onto Spain's political stage in the regional Andalusian elections late last year. The PP now governs the populous region with the backing of Ciudadanos and Vox following an agreement that brought an end to 40-years of socialist rule there. Socialist Party officials were quick to downplay the magnitude of the demonstration. PSOE’s deputy secretary general, Adriana Lastra, shared a graph on her Twitter page which allegedly showed the declining number of attendants at conservative-backed protests of the years. "Spain has turned its back on the far right," she said. Center-left and left-wing politicians highlighted that the Gay Pride parade in 2018 and International Women's Day had drawn bigger crowds. Speaking from the northern city of Santander, where he was attending an event, Sánchez said that he respected the demonstration but defended his government's actions. "What I'm doing now as prime minister is resolving the national crisis that the PP aggravated when it was in government," he said. The left-wing Podemos party was more stinging in its criticism of the demonstration's organizers. "I am sure that many of those protesting in Plaza de Colón today love Spain, the problem is that the organizers don't," said Pablo Echenique, head of party organization, said. "The organizers live off promoting hate between Spanish people," he added. The demonstration came just days before 12 jailed Catalan separatist politicians and activists, including former ministers and the former regional vice-president, are due to go on trial at the Supreme Court. Here they could face charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for their alleged role in an illegal independence referendum that in Oct. 2017 brought the country to the brink of a constitutional crisis. The Catalan crisis, which had been simmering for years, exploded in 2017 with the events that led up to the Oct. 1 referendum on the prosperous region's secession from the rest of the country, which was deemed unconstitutional by the judiciary. Several weeks later, the regional government unilaterally declared independence and Spain triggered a constitutional mechanism, Article 155, to strip the region of its autonomy, depose the local government and dissolve parliament. Fresh elections saw the pro-independence parties again eke out a slim majority in the regional parliament, thus assuring a continuation of the territorial conflict between Barcelona and Madrid. While the Socialist Party opposes Catalan independence, Sánchez only rose to power thanks to the votes of the Catalan European Democratic Party (PDeCat) and the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) party, whose lawmakers backed him in the successful no-confidence vote against Rajoy. The Spanish government now desperately needs those same votes from ERC and PDeCAT, who now jointly govern Catalonia, in order to pass an ambitious budget bill that would be doomed without the Catalan nationalists' support. Both Rivera Casado have urged the government to re-apply Article 155 of the Constitution on Catalonia.

Protesters clamor for fresh elections in Spain as Catalan crisis trundles on

The trial of 12 Catalan separatist leaders involved in a bid to secede from Spain that plunged the country into crisis starts on Tuesday under intense scrutiny and controversy.

Expected to last three months, the trial is due to be broadcast live on television from the Supreme Court in Madrid where 600 journalists from 150 domestic and foreign media are accredited.

It is divisive -- a "farce" according to independence supporters in Catalonia -- but necessary for many Spaniards who looked on in disbelief as the rich region's then executive tried to break from the country in October 2017.

Carles Puigdemont, Catalonia's former president who fled to Belgium days after a short-lived declaration of independence on October 27, is not among the 12 defendants.

Spain does not try suspects in absentia for major offences.

The trial's main protagonist is therefore former regional vice president Oriol Junqueras, who opted to remain in Spain. He faces up to 25 years in jail on charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds.

Others in the dock include members of Catalonia's then executive or regional parliament as well as the two leaders of powerful pro-independence associations, ANC and Omnium Cultural.

Nine have been charged with rebellion, with some also accused of misuse of public funds. These have all been in pre-trial detention for months, some of them for more than a year.

The three others are accused of disobedience and misuse of public funds.

Their role in holding a banned independence referendum on October 1, 2017, which was marred by police violence, and in the subsequent independence declaration will be closely scrutinised.

Conservative former prime minister Mariano Rajoy has even been called to testify.

His government sacked Puigdemont's executive hours after the declaration, dissolved the regional parliament and imposed direct rule on the semi-autonomous region in northeastern Spain.

Controversy over rebellion&nbsp;

Even before the start of the trial, controversy has swirled over the charge of rebellion levelled at Junqueras and eight others.

Under Spanish law, rebellion is defined as "rising up in a violent and public manner."&nbsp;

But the key, divisive question is whether there actually was any violence.

The independence movement provided for "the use of all necessary means to reach its aim including... the necessary violence to ensure the sought-for criminal result," public prosecutors argue in a court document.

The defendants "called on citizens to participate in the October 1 referendum knowing it was illegal and that explosions of violence could therefore take place," they add.

But supporters of independence deny the accusation of violence.

They instead denounce police violence during the referendum, images of which were seen in media round the world.

Legal experts are divided.

The Spanish government through its lawyer in the trial is accusing the separatist leaders of the lesser charge of sedition, which fetches up to 12 years in jail.

Far-right takes part

Catalonia's separatist movement hopes to turn the trial into a global political soapbox.

"We will stand before a popular jury -- the entire world -- which we will have to convince," said Alex Sola, the lawyer of Omnium Cultural president Jordi Cuixart, one of the defendants.

"It's not pro-independence leaders who are on trial, it's democracy."

Independence supporters are planning protests in Catalonia, Madrid and in other parts of Europe.

Beyond the courtroom, the trial will also have an impact on Spain's political scene, says Antonio Barroso, deputy research director at the Teneo Intelligence analysis group.

"The Catalan issue is at the heart of debate in Spanish politics and this trial, by recalling what happened in 2017, will be used by the right to criticise any (government) negotiation with the separatists," he says.

Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who came to power in June after ousting Rajoy, needs the votes of separatist national lawmakers to pass his 2019 budget and stay in power.

Far-right party Vox, meanwhile, is taking part in the trial as the so-called "popular prosecution," a Spain-specific legal mechanism that allows any citizen or organisation to make their accusations.

The trial of 12 Catalan separatist leaders involved in a bid to secede from Spain that plunged the country into crisis starts on Tuesday under intense scrutiny and controversy.

The trial of 12 Catalan separatist leaders involved in a bid to secede from Spain that plunged the country into crisis starts on Tuesday under intense scrutiny and controversy. Expected to last three months, the trial is due to be broadcast live on television from the Supreme Court in Madrid where 600 journalists from 150 domestic and foreign media are accredited. It is divisive -- a "farce" according to independence supporters in Catalonia -- but necessary for many Spaniards who looked on in disbelief as the rich region's then executive tried to break from the country in October 2017. Carles Puigdemont, Catalonia's former president who fled to Belgium days after a short-lived declaration of independence on October 27, is not among the 12 defendants. Spain does not try suspects in absentia for major offences. The trial's main protagonist is therefore former regional vice president Oriol Junqueras, who opted to remain in Spain. He faces up to 25 years in jail on charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds. Others in the dock include members of Catalonia's then executive or regional parliament as well as the two leaders of powerful pro-independence associations, ANC and Omnium Cultural. Nine have been charged with rebellion, with some also accused of misuse of public funds. These have all been in pre-trial detention for months, some of them for more than a year. The three others are accused of disobedience and misuse of public funds. Their role in holding a banned independence referendum on October 1, 2017, which was marred by police violence, and in the subsequent independence declaration will be closely scrutinised. Conservative former prime minister Mariano Rajoy has even been called to testify. His government sacked Puigdemont's executive hours after the declaration, dissolved the regional parliament and imposed direct rule on the semi-autonomous region in northeastern Spain. Controversy over rebellion Even before the start of the trial, controversy has swirled over the charge of rebellion levelled at Junqueras and eight others. Under Spanish law, rebellion is defined as "rising up in a violent and public manner." But the key, divisive question is whether there actually was any violence. The independence movement provided for "the use of all necessary means to reach its aim including... the necessary violence to ensure the sought-for criminal result," public prosecutors argue in a court document. The defendants "called on citizens to participate in the October 1 referendum knowing it was illegal and that explosions of violence could therefore take place," they add. But supporters of independence deny the accusation of violence. They instead denounce police violence during the referendum, images of which were seen in media round the world. Legal experts are divided. The Spanish government through its lawyer in the trial is accusing the separatist leaders of the lesser charge of sedition, which fetches up to 12 years in jail. Far-right takes part Catalonia's separatist movement hopes to turn the trial into a global political soapbox. "We will stand before a popular jury -- the entire world -- which we will have to convince," said Alex Sola, the lawyer of Omnium Cultural president Jordi Cuixart, one of the defendants. "It's not pro-independence leaders who are on trial, it's democracy." Independence supporters are planning protests in Catalonia, Madrid and in other parts of Europe. Beyond the courtroom, the trial will also have an impact on Spain's political scene, says Antonio Barroso, deputy research director at the Teneo Intelligence analysis group. "The Catalan issue is at the heart of debate in Spanish politics and this trial, by recalling what happened in 2017, will be used by the right to criticise any (government) negotiation with the separatists," he says. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who came to power in June after ousting Rajoy, needs the votes of separatist national lawmakers to pass his 2019 budget and stay in power. Far-right party Vox, meanwhile, is taking part in the trial as the so-called "popular prosecution," a Spain-specific legal mechanism that allows any citizen or organisation to make their accusations.

Catalan separatists face long-awaited trial in Madrid

A dozen Spanish lawyers were preparing on Thursday for what looks set to be the court appearances of their lives as they hone the defence cases for Catalan separatist leaders who are facing serious charges after having held an illegal regional referendum and spearheaded a bid to secede unilaterally from the rest of Spain.

More than 600 journalists from over 170 different international media organisations have been accredited to cover a legal milestone that Spain's media has already labeled as the trial of the century because it has taken such a high political significance.

Around 2.25 million people turned out in the 2017 referendum across Catalonia and 90 percent favoured a split from Spain while nearly eight per cent of the 5.3 registered voters rejected independence. Many opponents to the vote did not cast their ballots, left them blank or void, regional authorities said.

However, the Spanish judiciary found the referendum was illegal because it went against the country’s constitution and the separatist movement's leaders were thus tried under criminal, not civil, law.

Spain's public prosecutor on November 2 filed rebellion charges against the leaders who are currently in pre-trial detention and who face sentences of up to 25 years, although the deposed president of the Catalan government, Carles Puigdemont, was in self-imposed exile in Belgium and will, for the moment, not face trial.

The case is set to start on February 12 at Spain's Supreme Court, a palatial former royal convent in the heart of Madrid, and the lineup of defence lawyers is almost as varied as the politicians and activists they are to represent.

While the legal representatives will all wear traditional togas in court and have cultivated an image of unity, they are in fact working on quite disparate strategies, varying in approach from the most technical to the most ideological, and not all lawyers share political affinities with their clients.

Those who have the toughest jobs are the ones who represent political leaders who have not given up their political aspirations, such as Oriol Junqueras, the former vice president of the Catalan government who belongs to the Republican Left of Catalonia party (ERC) and former regional lawmaker Jordi Turull.

Both have stated that they would continue in politics despite being currently behind bars.

Here is a list of those involved:

Andreu Van den Eynde: will represent Oriol Junqueras and Raul Romeva

A lawyer for the ERC party, Van den Eynde, an expert in cybercrime and criminal liability, is one of the youngest lawyers who will be present at the Supreme Court. He gave legal advice to the Catalan republican formation on how to avoid fraud charges.

He was born in 1975 in Paris, to where his father had fled to escape the dictatorship of Spanish Gen. Francisco Franco, and his ancestors hailed from Flemish lands in northern Belgium. Both his parents were Trotskyists.

He began his professional career at the law firm Luis del Castillo, before setting up his own law firm.

Van den Eynde is well versed in the legal complexity of the Catalan independence movement and defended former Catalan parliament speaker Carme Forcadell in 2017.

He is active on Twitter, where he reels off posts that usually contain subtle double-meanings and in his spare time, he is a guitarist in the trash metal band "Vientos de Poder."

Van den Eynde's defence cases usually carry a hefty political charge and he often takes them to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

He is known to have high hopes of taking the Catalan case to that court.

Jordi Pina: Defending Jordi Turull and Josep Rull

Pina is perhaps the most media-savvy lawyer in this group, as he has often been seen on television arguing that the treatment meted out by the Spanish authorities on the separatist leaders has been overly harsh.

He works at the prestigious law firm Molins &amp; Silva and there have been few cases of political corruption that Pina has not been involved in, to some extent. 
Pina is loquacious and possesses a vehement style that enables him to shine in the final summings-up.

Pina was elected in 2017 as vice-dean of the Bar Association of Barcelona and in his spare time is known to enjoy hiking in the mountains and looking for mushrooms.

Xavier Melero: Defending Joaquim Forn

Melero is unusual in this group as he has not formed any part of the separatist or republican tendencies of others who will appear in court. Some 15 years ago he frequented the meetings that led to the foundation of the business-friendly, right-of-center, Ciudadanos (Citizens) party that today stands at the opposite end of separatism.

Despite this, like Pina, the 61-year-old Melero is a long-time defender of pro-independence activists who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law like Oriol Pujol, the embattled former treasurer of the Catalan nationalist Democratic Convergence of Catalonia party.

He is a fan of the sport of boxing and his trademark tortoiseshell glasses lend him a certain British air that matches his renowned predilection for irony which he displays in public, in court and, often, also in his writings.

Melero does not favour appearing in the media, although he unwittingly became a household name when he defended the former Catalan president, Artur Mas, who is regarded by many as the architect of Spain’s current separatist woes with regards Catalonia.

Olga Arderiu: Carme Forcadell

Forcadell's lawyer worked for nine years in the Molins office before embarking, in 2007, on her solo career as the founder of the MDA law firm and is known to be the soul of discretion.

Born in Berga (Barcelona) 43 years ago, Arderiu has been a board member of Barcelona’s Bar Association for two years, where she was a member of the Commission of Women Lawyers and has a long career in areas such as gender violence and gender policy.

Marina Roig: Jordi Cuixart

Roig is the lawyer who has been least exposed to the media. This heavyweight case will be her first before the Supreme Court.

She has previously made a name for herself in fraud and money laundering cases.

She is a founding partner of the firm Roig &amp; Bergés &amp; Martínez and president of the criminal section of Barcelona’s Bar Association.

Like Van den Eynde, she has her sights set on Strasbourg.

Mariano Berges: Dolors Bassa

Bassa is a co-founder of the Marina Roig law firm and has a track record of defending large companies and multinationals.

He is an associate professor of Criminal Law at the University of Barcelona where he lectures on masters degree courses and is well known as an expert in criminal compliance.

Josep Riba: Carles Mundo

Mondo has made a career of defending high profile clients including politicians, businessmen, bankers and athletes, such as soccer star Samuel Eto'o.

The 51-year-old is known for having an impeccable style inside and outside court, and is a member of the reputable Barcelona firm Morales Abogados.

He also lectures as a professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and Esade.

Judit Gene: Meritxell Borras

She is another of the lawyers trained in the Molins Advocats office, where she met Xavier Melero, with whom she set up her own law firm in 2009 that has become a benchmark for regional Catalan politicians investigated for corruption.

Born in the small town of Tora, Gene, member of the criminal law section of the Bar Association of Barcelona, also worked - during a three-year hiatus - at the renowned law firm Cuatrecasas de Barcelona.

Pau Molins: Santi Vila

Molins is a member of one of Catalonia’s most renowned families, which is also one of Spain richest.

He founded the law firm Molins &amp; Silva in 1994 and since 2013 also been associated with the firm led by Miquel Roca, one of the most prestigious in Barcelona.

The 57-year-old, Molins combines practicing law with being director of the family’s well-established Cementos Molins cement manufacturing company.

As a lawyer, he has defended the king of Spain’s sister, Infanta Cristina, and the ex-president of Barcelona soccer club, among others.

A dozen Spanish lawyers were preparing on Thursday for what looks set to be the court appearances of their lives as they hone the defence cases for Catalan separatist leaders who are facing serious charges after having held an illegal regional referendum and spearheaded a bid to secede unilaterally from the rest of Spain.

A dozen Spanish lawyers were preparing on Thursday for what looks set to be the court appearances of their lives as they hone the defence cases for Catalan separatist leaders who are facing serious charges after having held an illegal regional referendum and spearheaded a bid to secede unilaterally from the rest of Spain. More than 600 journalists from over 170 different international media organisations have been accredited to cover a legal milestone that Spain's media has already labeled as the trial of the century because it has taken such a high political significance. Around 2.25 million people turned out in the 2017 referendum across Catalonia and 90 percent favoured a split from Spain while nearly eight per cent of the 5.3 registered voters rejected independence. Many opponents to the vote did not cast their ballots, left them blank or void, regional authorities said. However, the Spanish judiciary found the referendum was illegal because it went against the country’s constitution and the separatist movement's leaders were thus tried under criminal, not civil, law. Spain's public prosecutor on November 2 filed rebellion charges against the leaders who are currently in pre-trial detention and who face sentences of up to 25 years, although the deposed president of the Catalan government, Carles Puigdemont, was in self-imposed exile in Belgium and will, for the moment, not face trial. The case is set to start on February 12 at Spain's Supreme Court, a palatial former royal convent in the heart of Madrid, and the lineup of defence lawyers is almost as varied as the politicians and activists they are to represent. While the legal representatives will all wear traditional togas in court and have cultivated an image of unity, they are in fact working on quite disparate strategies, varying in approach from the most technical to the most ideological, and not all lawyers share political affinities with their clients. Those who have the toughest jobs are the ones who represent political leaders who have not given up their political aspirations, such as Oriol Junqueras, the former vice president of the Catalan government who belongs to the Republican Left of Catalonia party (ERC) and former regional lawmaker Jordi Turull. Both have stated that they would continue in politics despite being currently behind bars. Here is a list of those involved: Andreu Van den Eynde: will represent Oriol Junqueras and Raul Romeva A lawyer for the ERC party, Van den Eynde, an expert in cybercrime and criminal liability, is one of the youngest lawyers who will be present at the Supreme Court. He gave legal advice to the Catalan republican formation on how to avoid fraud charges. He was born in 1975 in Paris, to where his father had fled to escape the dictatorship of Spanish Gen. Francisco Franco, and his ancestors hailed from Flemish lands in northern Belgium. Both his parents were Trotskyists. He began his professional career at the law firm Luis del Castillo, before setting up his own law firm. Van den Eynde is well versed in the legal complexity of the Catalan independence movement and defended former Catalan parliament speaker Carme Forcadell in 2017. He is active on Twitter, where he reels off posts that usually contain subtle double-meanings and in his spare time, he is a guitarist in the trash metal band "Vientos de Poder." Van den Eynde's defence cases usually carry a hefty political charge and he often takes them to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. He is known to have high hopes of taking the Catalan case to that court. Jordi Pina: Defending Jordi Turull and Josep Rull Pina is perhaps the most media-savvy lawyer in this group, as he has often been seen on television arguing that the treatment meted out by the Spanish authorities on the separatist leaders has been overly harsh. He works at the prestigious law firm Molins & Silva and there have been few cases of political corruption that Pina has not been involved in, to some extent. Pina is loquacious and possesses a vehement style that enables him to shine in the final summings-up. Pina was elected in 2017 as vice-dean of the Bar Association of Barcelona and in his spare time is known to enjoy hiking in the mountains and looking for mushrooms. Xavier Melero: Defending Joaquim Forn Melero is unusual in this group as he has not formed any part of the separatist or republican tendencies of others who will appear in court. Some 15 years ago he frequented the meetings that led to the foundation of the business-friendly, right-of-center, Ciudadanos (Citizens) party that today stands at the opposite end of separatism. Despite this, like Pina, the 61-year-old Melero is a long-time defender of pro-independence activists who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law like Oriol Pujol, the embattled former treasurer of the Catalan nationalist Democratic Convergence of Catalonia party. He is a fan of the sport of boxing and his trademark tortoiseshell glasses lend him a certain British air that matches his renowned predilection for irony which he displays in public, in court and, often, also in his writings. Melero does not favour appearing in the media, although he unwittingly became a household name when he defended the former Catalan president, Artur Mas, who is regarded by many as the architect of Spain’s current separatist woes with regards Catalonia. Olga Arderiu: Carme Forcadell Forcadell's lawyer worked for nine years in the Molins office before embarking, in 2007, on her solo career as the founder of the MDA law firm and is known to be the soul of discretion. Born in Berga (Barcelona) 43 years ago, Arderiu has been a board member of Barcelona’s Bar Association for two years, where she was a member of the Commission of Women Lawyers and has a long career in areas such as gender violence and gender policy. Marina Roig: Jordi Cuixart Roig is the lawyer who has been least exposed to the media. This heavyweight case will be her first before the Supreme Court. She has previously made a name for herself in fraud and money laundering cases. She is a founding partner of the firm Roig & Bergés & Martínez and president of the criminal section of Barcelona’s Bar Association. Like Van den Eynde, she has her sights set on Strasbourg. Mariano Berges: Dolors Bassa Bassa is a co-founder of the Marina Roig law firm and has a track record of defending large companies and multinationals. He is an associate professor of Criminal Law at the University of Barcelona where he lectures on masters degree courses and is well known as an expert in criminal compliance. Josep Riba: Carles Mundo Mondo has made a career of defending high profile clients including politicians, businessmen, bankers and athletes, such as soccer star Samuel Eto'o. The 51-year-old is known for having an impeccable style inside and outside court, and is a member of the reputable Barcelona firm Morales Abogados. He also lectures as a professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and Esade. Judit Gene: Meritxell Borras She is another of the lawyers trained in the Molins Advocats office, where she met Xavier Melero, with whom she set up her own law firm in 2009 that has become a benchmark for regional Catalan politicians investigated for corruption. Born in the small town of Tora, Gene, member of the criminal law section of the Bar Association of Barcelona, also worked - during a three-year hiatus - at the renowned law firm Cuatrecasas de Barcelona. Pau Molins: Santi Vila Molins is a member of one of Catalonia’s most renowned families, which is also one of Spain richest. He founded the law firm Molins & Silva in 1994 and since 2013 also been associated with the firm led by Miquel Roca, one of the most prestigious in Barcelona. The 57-year-old, Molins combines practicing law with being director of the family’s well-established Cementos Molins cement manufacturing company. As a lawyer, he has defended the king of Spain’s sister, Infanta Cristina, and the ex-president of Barcelona soccer club, among others.

Meet the lawyers who will defend Catalan separatists in Spain's Supreme Court

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism.

He also spoke on Brexit and called for a moratorium on redrawing of borders in order to prevent separatist movements from carving out new countries around the world.

Here is the full transcript of the interview:

WION: We are meeting just hours after Trump gave a televised speech about border wall. He spoke about fears of uncontrolled illegal migration and described it as a crisis of the soul. Now, this is the same president who told you last year that the European Union can build a wall across the Sahara to stop people from entering Europe. Do you agree with him? Or do you think good fences make good neighbours?

Josep Borrell: I don't think so. Walls do not solve any problems, we do not need to build a wall. We already have a big wall, that is the Mediterranean Sea; people are dying every year trying to enter Europe. It is problem of relationship, the problem between Europe and Africa, or US and South America, will never be solved by putting a wall. It is a matter of cooperation and development.

WION: Lawmakers in the UK are debating about Brexit, they might vote on it next week. There are calls for a second referendum. Do you support the second referendum? Or do you think we are way past the point of no return - that this is it, take it or leave it?

Josep Borrell: Well, the Britishers said ‘Brexit is Brexit’. They repeated it many times. But what does Brexit mean? It is upto them to decide, we are waiting, we will like to know their final decision. There is a deal on the table, they can accept it or refuse it. If they refuse it, they have to decide what to do. An abrupt, hard Brexit will be very damaging for both the EU and the UK. They have to decide whether to postpone the decision, or to take longer time to discuss the deal. But we have EU elections in May. What are we going to do?

WION: About the second referendum, you said and I quote, "I don't like second referendums, it's something that doesn't look very democratic". What is undemocratic about a second referendum?

Josep Borrell: People expressed their will (with the referendum) and (now) you (want to) tell them that you made the bad choice, (that) you have to repeat the vote. Until when? Until you make the good choice. And what is the good choice? Who decides about the good choices? You know, we’ve had repeated referendums several times - in Ireland, in Denmark - where they voted (for) something, the elite did not like it and told them to vote again. I think the idea that people have to vote and re-vote until someone says this is a good answer is not a good thing.

WION: You support referendums, don't you? Be it Brexit or Catalonia or anywhere else in the world? Or are you against referendums?

Josep Borrell: I think referendum is not a good way of making a decision, it is too binary, black or white, one or zero. The world is much more complex. And I think it is impossible for the British people to be aware of the consequences of deciding to leave. It is too complex and there were a lot of lies told to them: ‘If you leave, you will have a lot of money’, ‘if you leave, we will manage better’, ‘if you leave, we will again be the big empire in the world’. Here in India you know something about it. Well, you cannot make people decide with a fake news, with incapacity of providing a good understanding of what is at stake. I think parliaments, public discussion, is a better way of taking this kind of difficult and complex decision.

WION: So, what you are saying is that referendums, be it in Catalonia or Brexit, do not necessarily solve the problem?

Josep Borrell: No, I do not think it is the best way of solving a problem. In Catalonia, additionally, it is again the Spanish constitution, as it is in France, Germany, Italy or the United States. So, I do not think it is the best way of making this kind of decision that splits the country, divides the society and confronts, in equal proportion, people.

WION: Let’s talk a bit about separatism. Countries around the world, including Spain and India, are faced with separatism, separatist tendencies, separatist elements. Do you think there is a need for a moratorium on redrawing of borders - be it Catalonia or Brexit or anything else?

Josep Borrell: In Europe, we have a moratorium after the end of World War that borders are the way they are and can only be modified by a common understanding and agreement. Brexit is not a modification of borders, in fact it has nothing to do with borders. Separatism in north of Italy or half of Belgium or Scotland or Catalonia is a different thing. And there is a big consensus in Europe to not go to redefinition of borders.

WION: Do you think it should apply to all conflict areas around the world? That there should be no new state created out of this separatist tendency?

Josep Borrell: Separatism is one thing, decolonisation is another thing. Decolonisation created new states, for sure, because it was a colonial domination. But who can believe that Catalonia is a colony of Spain?

WION: I want to come back to the issue of immigration. You have been quoted as saying that "European societies are not structured to absorb more than a certain percentage of migrants, especially if they are Muslims". What did you mean by that? And what might be the solution?

Josep Borrell: I don’t know if I said that exactly. I said especially if they are culturally and religiously different. For example, in Spain, it is easy for us to absorb migrants coming from Latin America because they speak the same language, they have the same religion - if they have one. For a Spanish coming from Argentina or Peru or Mexico, it is a kind of a member of the family. If there are people coming from other cultures, other religions without historical ties, it is much more difficult to integrate and there is a certain limit in societies above which tensions start, especially if there are no good policies to prevent this kind of things from happening and to push and to help in integration.

WION: Would you favour Muslims coming to Europe? Are Muslims welcome in Europe today and going forward?

Josep Borrell: Look, one of the pillars of European Union is no discrimination by religion. You cannot discriminate by saying ‘you, yes’ because you are a Christian, ‘you, no’ because you are a Hindu or Muslim. No discrimination by gender, no discrimination by religion so the question would not be accepted in Europe.

WION: I want to talk about India and Spain. We have seen that separatism affects both countries. Do you think India and Spain can learn together from each other's experiences of separatism? In Spain, you say talks only within the constitution. So, is there scope for learning between India and Spain when it comes to separatism?

Josep Borrell: Well, I do not know history of India and the political situation in the country as much as I should in order to answer your question. But India is a special case because you built a political union before building an economic union. In Europe, we are doing just the contrary, we are building an economic union before building a political union because we have too much history behind us and in order to build political union, you have to share markets, goods, economic relationships, to create what Jacques Delors (French politician) called solidarity of the fact. And on this solidarity of the fact, you can construct a bigger union, a stronger union, a deeper union. India is a remarkable example of how you can be united in diversity. In Europe, we say, united in diversity but when I come to India I say ‘my god, here is diversity!’

WION: Some people say that a thin line separates separatism from terrorism. Some countries around the world are afflicted by this phenomenon. Is there scope for EU and India to collaborate for combating this menace?

Josep Borrell: For combating terrorism, all democratic countries have to cooperate.

WION: ...especially in South Asia...

Josep Borrell: The south of the world, all this band going from the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa to the Indian peninsula, all this part of the world - West Asia, Syria, the Horn of Africa, the Spanish navy is patrolling the Horn of Africa to prevent terrorist attacks against ships, and India as a big, democratic country the biggest democracy in the world - has an important role to play together with western nations to fight terrorism.

WION: I want to talk about regional and global issues like what’s happening in Iran and Venezuela. President Maduro will take the oath on January 10. What are your views on impositions of sanctions against Venezuela? I am told that you do not want to see more sanctions imposed on Venezuela?

Josep Borrell: History says that sanctions do not bring a solution. Look at what happened with Cuba. The US has been blockading Cuba for decades, but the regime is still there. You have to sanction when you have to sanction, do not sanction the people, do not sanction the Venezuelan people. If you have to impose sanctions, impose it on the leaders, the ones who are guilty of doing something bad. But at the same time, try to push through a democratic dialogue, you have to put both things together, just the politics of punishing, history says, is not very effective.

WION: I want to talk about China. The Prime Minister of Norway said at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi that might is not right, that countries must play by the rules-based world order. She spoke about ocean management and was hinting at China. How do you see China's Belt and Road Initiative?

Josep Borrell: It is an important initiative. China is projecting out of its borders. China is coming back to the history. It was out of the history, it saw colonial domination, an awful war with Japan, years of communist domination, poverty and now it is a giant. Economical, technological, political and even a military power. The important thing is to be able to build, as you have said, a world ruled by rules not by power because if it is only power. If it is in the hands of the Chinese, or it is in the hands of the US, Russia or whoever, the power is being used and it needs counter powers. A multilateral world, a world based on rules accepted by the humankind, by international community is something that we have to fight for.

WION: And it applies equally to China?

Josep Borrell: Of course, for sure, why not? You cannot imagine a world where one part of humanity as important as China cannot be taken into consideration or not participating.

WION: I want to shift our focus to West Asia. Saudi Arabia has lately been in the news for the wrong reasons, for the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Yet, the Spanish government insists on selling arms to Saudi Arabia. Why?

Josep Borrell: The number of arms (being sent) to Saudi Arabia is a tiny part of what Saudi Arabia is buying. Since this (Spanish) government has been in place, we have not signed any new contract, but we will honour the contract signed by the previous government.

WION: Israel is another country in the region. What do you make of the trend of some countries shifting their embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? Do you think it is part of the solution?

Josep Borrell: For sure it is not a part of the solution, it is creating more tensions.

WION: Why do you say that?

Josep Borrell: Because one of the part feels attacked. If you were a Palestinian, you wanted Jerusalem to be the capital of imaginary country that some day will come. And people say no, this is the capital of another country. You will not be very happy and I think we have to calm down the situation which could become explosive. I think it was a wrong decision by the Americans and it is a wrong decision by anyone who is following it.

WION: In conclusion, Mr minister, you have studied and taught both mathematics and economics at universities and institutes in Europe. But what is your first love - mathematics or economics?

Josep Borrell: It is mathematics.

WION: What do you the most - academia or politics?

Josep Borrell: There is a lot of politics in academia, no? I have been engaged in politics for much longer than academia. But if you share both approaches, you could have at the same time the rationality of the academia (as well as) the scientific approach with social engagement of the politician. The world would be much better. You know the book by John Von Neumann about the science and the politics? I read it every time I can.

WION: FC Barcelona or Real Madrid?

Josep Borrell: I don't follow football very much.

WION: Pizza or Paella?

Josep Borrell: Pizza.

WION: Will Donald Trump get a second term as US President?

Josep Borrell: I'm afraid he could have to.

WION: What should the border wall be made of: Steel or concrete?

Josep Borrell: No wall.

WION: Who is a bigger challenge: Russia or China?

Josep Borrell: I would not say they are challenges, they are actors that have to be taken into consideration because both of them want to have its place in the history. They are big enough, powerful enough in order not to be neglected.

WION: On that note, thank you.

Josep Borrell: It has been a very intelligent interview.

WION: Thank you.

Josep Borrell: It does not happen often.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism. He also spoke on Brexit and called for a moratorium on redrawing of borders in order to prevent separatist movements from carving out new countries around the world. Here is the full transcript of the interview: WION: We are meeting just hours after Trump gave a televised speech about border wall. He spoke about fears of uncontrolled illegal migration and described it as a crisis of the soul. Now, this is the same president who told you last year that the European Union can build a wall across the Sahara to stop people from entering Europe. Do you agree with him? Or do you think good fences make good neighbours? Josep Borrell: I don't think so. Walls do not solve any problems, we do not need to build a wall. We already have a big wall, that is the Mediterranean Sea; people are dying every year trying to enter Europe. It is problem of relationship, the problem between Europe and Africa, or US and South America, will never be solved by putting a wall. It is a matter of cooperation and development. WION: Lawmakers in the UK are debating about Brexit, they might vote on it next week. There are calls for a second referendum. Do you support the second referendum? Or do you think we are way past the point of no return - that this is it, take it or leave it? Josep Borrell: Well, the Britishers said ‘Brexit is Brexit’. They repeated it many times. But what does Brexit mean? It is upto them to decide, we are waiting, we will like to know their final decision. There is a deal on the table, they can accept it or refuse it. If they refuse it, they have to decide what to do. An abrupt, hard Brexit will be very damaging for both the EU and the UK. They have to decide whether to postpone the decision, or to take longer time to discuss the deal. But we have EU elections in May. What are we going to do? WION: About the second referendum, you said and I quote, "I don't like second referendums, it's something that doesn't look very democratic". What is undemocratic about a second referendum? Josep Borrell: People expressed their will (with the referendum) and (now) you (want to) tell them that you made the bad choice, (that) you have to repeat the vote. Until when? Until you make the good choice. And what is the good choice? Who decides about the good choices? You know, we’ve had repeated referendums several times - in Ireland, in Denmark - where they voted (for) something, the elite did not like it and told them to vote again. I think the idea that people have to vote and re-vote until someone says this is a good answer is not a good thing. WION: You support referendums, don't you? Be it Brexit or Catalonia or anywhere else in the world? Or are you against referendums? Josep Borrell: I think referendum is not a good way of making a decision, it is too binary, black or white, one or zero. The world is much more complex. And I think it is impossible for the British people to be aware of the consequences of deciding to leave. It is too complex and there were a lot of lies told to them: ‘If you leave, you will have a lot of money’, ‘if you leave, we will manage better’, ‘if you leave, we will again be the big empire in the world’. Here in India you know something about it. Well, you cannot make people decide with a fake news, with incapacity of providing a good understanding of what is at stake. I think parliaments, public discussion, is a better way of taking this kind of difficult and complex decision. WION: So, what you are saying is that referendums, be it in Catalonia or Brexit, do not necessarily solve the problem? Josep Borrell: No, I do not think it is the best way of solving a problem. In Catalonia, additionally, it is again the Spanish constitution, as it is in France, Germany, Italy or the United States. So, I do not think it is the best way of making this kind of decision that splits the country, divides the society and confronts, in equal proportion, people. WION: Let’s talk a bit about separatism. Countries around the world, including Spain and India, are faced with separatism, separatist tendencies, separatist elements. Do you think there is a need for a moratorium on redrawing of borders - be it Catalonia or Brexit or anything else? Josep Borrell: In Europe, we have a moratorium after the end of World War that borders are the way they are and can only be modified by a common understanding and agreement. Brexit is not a modification of borders, in fact it has nothing to do with borders. Separatism in north of Italy or half of Belgium or Scotland or Catalonia is a different thing. And there is a big consensus in Europe to not go to redefinition of borders. WION: Do you think it should apply to all conflict areas around the world? That there should be no new state created out of this separatist tendency? Josep Borrell: Separatism is one thing, decolonisation is another thing. Decolonisation created new states, for sure, because it was a colonial domination. But who can believe that Catalonia is a colony of Spain? WION: I want to come back to the issue of immigration. You have been quoted as saying that "European societies are not structured to absorb more than a certain percentage of migrants, especially if they are Muslims". What did you mean by that? And what might be the solution? Josep Borrell: I don’t know if I said that exactly. I said especially if they are culturally and religiously different. For example, in Spain, it is easy for us to absorb migrants coming from Latin America because they speak the same language, they have the same religion - if they have one. For a Spanish coming from Argentina or Peru or Mexico, it is a kind of a member of the family. If there are people coming from other cultures, other religions without historical ties, it is much more difficult to integrate and there is a certain limit in societies above which tensions start, especially if there are no good policies to prevent this kind of things from happening and to push and to help in integration. WION: Would you favour Muslims coming to Europe? Are Muslims welcome in Europe today and going forward? Josep Borrell: Look, one of the pillars of European Union is no discrimination by religion. You cannot discriminate by saying ‘you, yes’ because you are a Christian, ‘you, no’ because you are a Hindu or Muslim. No discrimination by gender, no discrimination by religion so the question would not be accepted in Europe. WION: I want to talk about India and Spain. We have seen that separatism affects both countries. Do you think India and Spain can learn together from each other's experiences of separatism? In Spain, you say talks only within the constitution. So, is there scope for learning between India and Spain when it comes to separatism? Josep Borrell: Well, I do not know history of India and the political situation in the country as much as I should in order to answer your question. But India is a special case because you built a political union before building an economic union. In Europe, we are doing just the contrary, we are building an economic union before building a political union because we have too much history behind us and in order to build political union, you have to share markets, goods, economic relationships, to create what Jacques Delors (French politician) called solidarity of the fact. And on this solidarity of the fact, you can construct a bigger union, a stronger union, a deeper union. India is a remarkable example of how you can be united in diversity. In Europe, we say, united in diversity but when I come to India I say ‘my god, here is diversity!’ WION: Some people say that a thin line separates separatism from terrorism. Some countries around the world are afflicted by this phenomenon. Is there scope for EU and India to collaborate for combating this menace? Josep Borrell: For combating terrorism, all democratic countries have to cooperate. WION: ...especially in South Asia... Josep Borrell: The south of the world, all this band going from the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa to the Indian peninsula, all this part of the world - West Asia, Syria, the Horn of Africa, the Spanish navy is patrolling the Horn of Africa to prevent terrorist attacks against ships, and India as a big, democratic country the biggest democracy in the world - has an important role to play together with western nations to fight terrorism. WION: I want to talk about regional and global issues like what’s happening in Iran and Venezuela. President Maduro will take the oath on January 10. What are your views on impositions of sanctions against Venezuela? I am told that you do not want to see more sanctions imposed on Venezuela? Josep Borrell: History says that sanctions do not bring a solution. Look at what happened with Cuba. The US has been blockading Cuba for decades, but the regime is still there. You have to sanction when you have to sanction, do not sanction the people, do not sanction the Venezuelan people. If you have to impose sanctions, impose it on the leaders, the ones who are guilty of doing something bad. But at the same time, try to push through a democratic dialogue, you have to put both things together, just the politics of punishing, history says, is not very effective. WION: I want to talk about China. The Prime Minister of Norway said at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi that might is not right, that countries must play by the rules-based world order. She spoke about ocean management and was hinting at China. How do you see China's Belt and Road Initiative? Josep Borrell: It is an important initiative. China is projecting out of its borders. China is coming back to the history. It was out of the history, it saw colonial domination, an awful war with Japan, years of communist domination, poverty and now it is a giant. Economical, technological, political and even a military power. The important thing is to be able to build, as you have said, a world ruled by rules not by power because if it is only power. If it is in the hands of the Chinese, or it is in the hands of the US, Russia or whoever, the power is being used and it needs counter powers. A multilateral world, a world based on rules accepted by the humankind, by international community is something that we have to fight for. WION: And it applies equally to China? Josep Borrell: Of course, for sure, why not? You cannot imagine a world where one part of humanity as important as China cannot be taken into consideration or not participating. WION: I want to shift our focus to West Asia. Saudi Arabia has lately been in the news for the wrong reasons, for the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Yet, the Spanish government insists on selling arms to Saudi Arabia. Why? Josep Borrell: The number of arms (being sent) to Saudi Arabia is a tiny part of what Saudi Arabia is buying. Since this (Spanish) government has been in place, we have not signed any new contract, but we will honour the contract signed by the previous government. WION: Israel is another country in the region. What do you make of the trend of some countries shifting their embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? Do you think it is part of the solution? Josep Borrell: For sure it is not a part of the solution, it is creating more tensions. WION: Why do you say that? Josep Borrell: Because one of the part feels attacked. If you were a Palestinian, you wanted Jerusalem to be the capital of imaginary country that some day will come. And people say no, this is the capital of another country. You will not be very happy and I think we have to calm down the situation which could become explosive. I think it was a wrong decision by the Americans and it is a wrong decision by anyone who is following it. WION: In conclusion, Mr minister, you have studied and taught both mathematics and economics at universities and institutes in Europe. But what is your first love - mathematics or economics? Josep Borrell: It is mathematics. WION: What do you the most - academia or politics? Josep Borrell: There is a lot of politics in academia, no? I have been engaged in politics for much longer than academia. But if you share both approaches, you could have at the same time the rationality of the academia (as well as) the scientific approach with social engagement of the politician. The world would be much better. You know the book by John Von Neumann about the science and the politics? I read it every time I can. WION: FC Barcelona or Real Madrid? Josep Borrell: I don't follow football very much. WION: Pizza or Paella? Josep Borrell: Pizza. WION: Will Donald Trump get a second term as US President? Josep Borrell: I'm afraid he could have to. WION: What should the border wall be made of: Steel or concrete? Josep Borrell: No wall. WION: Who is a bigger challenge: Russia or China? Josep Borrell: I would not say they are challenges, they are actors that have to be taken into consideration because both of them want to have its place in the history. They are big enough, powerful enough in order not to be neglected. WION: On that note, thank you. Josep Borrell: It has been a very intelligent interview. WION: Thank you. Josep Borrell: It does not happen often.

Referendum not a good way to decide on Brexit: Spain foreign minister to WION

More than 60 people were injured and 13 others arrested as Catalan pro-independence supporters <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/catalonia-crisis-protesters-disrupt-transport-in-spain-6584">clashed with baton-wielding police</a> on Friday in protests against a Spanish government cabinet meeting in Barcelona, branded a provocation by separatists.

The weekly cabinet meeting usually takes place in Madrid but Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist government decided to hold it in the Catalan capital as part of efforts to reduce tensions.

The timing of the cabinet meeting — a year to the day after Madrid held snap elections in Catalonia after blocking the region's bid for independence —offended some Catalans. Far from reducing tensions, it appeared to have the opposite effect, with some 40,000 people marching peacefully along the Paseo de Gracia main road, but with a firm message; "Let's topple the regime".

"This is a provocation. They have come here to provoke us," said one demonstrator, textile worker Carles Serra, 45.

Away from the peaceful march, protesters threw metal barriers and stones at officers and tried to breach a police barrier a few hundred metres (yards) from where the meeting was taking place.

A total of 62 people were injured, including 35 police officers while 13 people were arrested, regional authorities said.

'Ungovernable'&nbsp;

Sanchez and the head of Catalonia's separatist government, Quim Torra, have expressed a commitment to an "effective dialogue" to try to resolve the dispute over the wealthy region's status within Spain.

At the cabinet meeting itself, the government approved a 22-per cent increase in the minimum wage, a pay hike for public workers and announced investments in infrastructure projects in Catalonia.

"We came here to show (our) affection, (our) attachment to Catalonia," government spokeswoman Isabel Celaa said afterwards.

"We are working for the wellbeing of all our fellow citizens."

Spain's wealthiest region, Catalonia is home to some 7.5 million people and has its own language.

A radical separatist group, the Committees for the Defence of the Republic (CDR), blocked a dozen main roads from around dawn on Friday, regional transport authorities said.

"We will be ungovernable on December 21," the group repeatedly tweeted.

The Spanish government sent police reinforcements to Barcelona and Catalan leaders repeated their call for protests to be peaceful.

Divergent positions&nbsp;

Catalonia declared independence in October 2017 after pushing ahead with a banned independence referendum, but Spanish authorities stifled the attempt.

Several Catalan independence leaders were detained on charges of rebellion or misuse of public funds, and prosecutors are seeking jail terms of up to 25 years.

Sanchez took office as prime minister eight months later after winning a surprise vote of no-confidence against the previous conservative government with the support of Catalan separatist parties.

He initially adopted a more conciliatory tone towards Catalonia than his conservative predecessor, but efforts to ease tensions with the region have hit a wall.

Sanchez and Torra were photographed holding talks in Barcelona on Thursday night, drawing fire from both the conservative right and radical separatists.

The leader of the conservative opposition Popular Party in parliament, Dolors Montserrat, branded the meeting "shameful" and "a betrayal of Spain".

"Dialogue seems like a step backwards to me," said separatist demonstrator Mariona Godia, 35. "That just looks like a photo aimed at calming people down."

While Sanchez has proposed giving Catalonia more powers, Torra wants a legally binding referendum on independence.

More than 60 people were injured and 13 others arrested as Catalan pro-independence supporters clashed with baton-wielding police on Friday in protests against a Spanish government cabinet meeting in Barcelona, branded a provocation by separatists.

More than 60 people were injured and 13 others arrested as Catalan pro-independence supporters clashed with baton-wielding police on Friday in protests against a Spanish government cabinet meeting in Barcelona, branded a provocation by separatists. The weekly cabinet meeting usually takes place in Madrid but Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist government decided to hold it in the Catalan capital as part of efforts to reduce tensions. The timing of the cabinet meeting — a year to the day after Madrid held snap elections in Catalonia after blocking the region's bid for independence —offended some Catalans. Far from reducing tensions, it appeared to have the opposite effect, with some 40,000 people marching peacefully along the Paseo de Gracia main road, but with a firm message; "Let's topple the regime". "This is a provocation. They have come here to provoke us," said one demonstrator, textile worker Carles Serra, 45. Away from the peaceful march, protesters threw metal barriers and stones at officers and tried to breach a police barrier a few hundred metres (yards) from where the meeting was taking place. A total of 62 people were injured, including 35 police officers while 13 people were arrested, regional authorities said. 'Ungovernable' Sanchez and the head of Catalonia's separatist government, Quim Torra, have expressed a commitment to an "effective dialogue" to try to resolve the dispute over the wealthy region's status within Spain. At the cabinet meeting itself, the government approved a 22-per cent increase in the minimum wage, a pay hike for public workers and announced investments in infrastructure projects in Catalonia. "We came here to show (our) affection, (our) attachment to Catalonia," government spokeswoman Isabel Celaa said afterwards. "We are working for the wellbeing of all our fellow citizens." Spain's wealthiest region, Catalonia is home to some 7.5 million people and has its own language. A radical separatist group, the Committees for the Defence of the Republic (CDR), blocked a dozen main roads from around dawn on Friday, regional transport authorities said. "We will be ungovernable on December 21," the group repeatedly tweeted. The Spanish government sent police reinforcements to Barcelona and Catalan leaders repeated their call for protests to be peaceful. Divergent positions Catalonia declared independence in October 2017 after pushing ahead with a banned independence referendum, but Spanish authorities stifled the attempt. Several Catalan independence leaders were detained on charges of rebellion or misuse of public funds, and prosecutors are seeking jail terms of up to 25 years. Sanchez took office as prime minister eight months later after winning a surprise vote of no-confidence against the previous conservative government with the support of Catalan separatist parties. He initially adopted a more conciliatory tone towards Catalonia than his conservative predecessor, but efforts to ease tensions with the region have hit a wall. Sanchez and Torra were photographed holding talks in Barcelona on Thursday night, drawing fire from both the conservative right and radical separatists. The leader of the conservative opposition Popular Party in parliament, Dolors Montserrat, branded the meeting "shameful" and "a betrayal of Spain". "Dialogue seems like a step backwards to me," said separatist demonstrator Mariona Godia, 35. "That just looks like a photo aimed at calming people down." While Sanchez has proposed giving Catalonia more powers, Torra wants a legally binding referendum on independence.

60 injured, 13 arrested in protest against Spain cabinet meeting in Catalonia

With the trials of Catalonian separatist leaders possibly weeks away, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez refused to say whether he would pardon them, calling the idea "a hypothesis."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/catalonia-quim-torra-name-two-former-ministers-jailed-by-madrid-report-138272">Also Read:&nbsp;New Catalonia President includes jailed, exiled leaders in government</a>

"What I would say to you is that the government doesn't make statements about hypotheses, it makes statements about realities," Sanchez said, as he spoke to reporters in Montreal, Canada, alongside a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Nine separatist Catalonian leaders are accused of crimes including rebellion for their role in last year's banned referendum and a subsequent failed declaration of independence.

The trial could begin as early as October, raising tensions as Sanchez seeks to reach a compromise with the Catalan government.

Sanchez has adopted a softer tone than his predecessor, conservative Mariano Rajoy, and offered to hold a wide-ranging dialogue that could lead to drafting a new statute of autonomy that Catalans would have the opportunity to adopt or reject by referendum.

"I think that the path of justice has its route. The responsibility of the Spanish government is to respond to a political crisis through politics. We know - and I've said it from the first moment that I became president-- that it won't be tomorrow or the day after when we resolve this political crisis but I think we're on the path to achieve it," he said.

Catalonia's new leader, Quim Torra, has dismissed the idea that this could be a way forward and instead called on Sanchez to accept a legally-binding referendum on independence.

Because Sanchez needs Torra's party votes in the national parliament to pass the annual budget bill, a failure to find common ground in Catalonia would likely spill over to national politics in Madrid - and possibly trigger a snap national election sometimes in early 2019.

According to a survey released in July 46.7 per cent of Catalans want their region to become an independent state, while 44.9 per cent oppose this solution-- a number that has remained roughly stable over the past four years.

Catalonia also elected a new regional parliament this year in which separatist forces retained a majority of seats. The trials of jailed separatist leaders should keep the Catalan question at the top of the political agenda for the time being.

With the trials of Catalonian separatist leaders possibly weeks away, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez refused to say whether he would pardon them, calling the idea "a hypothesis.

With the trials of Catalonian separatist leaders possibly weeks away, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez refused to say whether he would pardon them, calling the idea "a hypothesis." Also Read: New Catalonia President includes jailed, exiled leaders in government "What I would say to you is that the government doesn't make statements about hypotheses, it makes statements about realities," Sanchez said, as he spoke to reporters in Montreal, Canada, alongside a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Nine separatist Catalonian leaders are accused of crimes including rebellion for their role in last year's banned referendum and a subsequent failed declaration of independence. The trial could begin as early as October, raising tensions as Sanchez seeks to reach a compromise with the Catalan government. Sanchez has adopted a softer tone than his predecessor, conservative Mariano Rajoy, and offered to hold a wide-ranging dialogue that could lead to drafting a new statute of autonomy that Catalans would have the opportunity to adopt or reject by referendum. "I think that the path of justice has its route. The responsibility of the Spanish government is to respond to a political crisis through politics. We know - and I've said it from the first moment that I became president-- that it won't be tomorrow or the day after when we resolve this political crisis but I think we're on the path to achieve it," he said. Catalonia's new leader, Quim Torra, has dismissed the idea that this could be a way forward and instead called on Sanchez to accept a legally-binding referendum on independence. Because Sanchez needs Torra's party votes in the national parliament to pass the annual budget bill, a failure to find common ground in Catalonia would likely spill over to national politics in Madrid - and possibly trigger a snap national election sometimes in early 2019. According to a survey released in July 46.7 per cent of Catalans want their region to become an independent state, while 44.9 per cent oppose this solution-- a number that has remained roughly stable over the past four years. Catalonia also elected a new regional parliament this year in which separatist forces retained a majority of seats. The trials of jailed separatist leaders should keep the Catalan question at the top of the political agenda for the time being.

 Calls pardon of Catalonian separatists 'a hypothesis': PM Sanchez

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