Catalan leaders handed jail terms for independence bid

AFP

Thousands of angry protesters took to the streets from Barcelona after Spain's Supreme Court sentenced Catalonia's 9 separatist leaders to 9 to 13 years in prison in connection with the 2017 uprising.

According to the foreign news agency AFP, news of the separatist leaders being punished as masses of people came out and blocked the streets in Barcelona.

In the last few years, less than a month has passed in Spain holding the fourth general election, and the Supreme Court's decision has once again sparked a political debate about Catalonia and fears of increased tensions.

Prior to the court ruling, additional police personnel were deployed at all key locations in Barcelona.

The 19-year-old student protesting in Grania said, "Even though I was expecting this decision, I was saddened by it. I was punished, which I agree with. '

The trial began in February against 12 leaders of Catalonia, who were accused of playing a role in holding a referendum in Catalonia despite a ban on October 1, 2017, which, after its success, declared independence from Spain. Was.

The maximum period - 13 years - was punished by former Catalonia vice-president Aurel Jinquiاسres, who played the most important part in the separation of the region's leader Carlos Poidi Mont from Spain.

In a tweet from Brussels, Carlos Poidi Mont condemned the sentence, calling it 'atrocity'.

"It has been 100 years since this atrocity has increased even now, and now it is time for a response that has never been given before," he said.

In a letter to his supporters, Aurel Jinquiورres said, "The story is far from over."

Read more: Spain restores control of Catalonia, dismisses separatist members

Addressing the central government of Spain, he wrote, "Nothing ended today, you could not succeed or convince, we will come back stronger than ever and win."

Spain's government hopes the end of the trial will give it a chance to deal with the crisis in the wealthy northeastern region, where support for separation has grown for more than a decade.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, "After the Supreme Court order, we need peace in Catalonia through negotiations."

However, the left-leaning 'ERC' party of Aurel Jankiuras has said talks are not possible until politically-imprisoned and exiled leaders are given 'amnesty'.

In addition to Ariel Jankiuras, former parliamentary speaker Carme Forkedale was sentenced to 11 and a half, while five other former ministers were sentenced to 10 to 12 years in prison.

Two influential Catalonia leaders, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Kozart, were sentenced to 9 years in prison, while the other three leaders were fined 60,000 euros ($ 70,000) per capita.