tens of thousands of people have protested in Catalonia against the process against twelve separatist leader of the conflict region in the North-East of Spain. The rally took place on Saturday evening in the centre of the regional capital of Barcelona under the slogan "self-determination is not a crime". The city police estimated the number of participants to around 200,000, the organizers - including the Region's ruling parties - the languages of half a Million. Among the participants, the Catalan regional President Quim Torra.
"independence, independence!", the protesters chanted, among other Slogans. The main artery, the Gran Via was filled over a distance of about two kilometers, complete with people.
The trial of the separatist leader had begun on Tuesday before the Supreme court in Madrid. The prosecution accuses the defendant, Rebellion, riot, and the embezzlement of public funds. Background a referendum on Secession from the 1. October 2017, followed by independence decision. For the main accused, the former Deputy regional President Oriol Junqueras, the Prosecutor's office of 25 years to life in prison.
Junqueras, has been sitting for more than 15 months in custody, had said: "Nothing, nothing, nothing at all of what we have done is a criminal Offence." In court, his ideas were, he was a political prisoner. The deposed Ex-regional President Carles Puigdemont, who had fled to Belgium, is not affected by the procedure.
More aboutSpain against Catalan separatists begins in Madrid
Ralph Schulze, daily mirror, morning, situation, for Free order The rally on Saturday was the first of several planned actions of the Pro-Independence camp. They protest against the process and for the right to self-determination. For next Thursday, the separatist parties in the regional Parliament of Barcelona, the absolute majority have to call, together with several associations and trade unions for a General strike. (dpa)