Thousands of supporters of Catalan independence marched through central Madrid o...
People take part in a rally of Catalan separatist organisations to demonstrate against the trial of Catalan leaders and call for self-determination rights, in Madrid, Spain March 16, 2019. REUTERS/Juan Medina
MADRID - Thousands of supporters of Catalan independence marched through central Madrid on Saturday in protest at the ongoing trial of 12 separatist leaders who face years in prison for their role in organizing a failed independence bid from Spain in 2017. Demonstrators, many who made the journey from the northwestern Catalonia region for the protest, waved Catalan flags and carried signs reading “Self-determination is not a crime”.Tensions between Madrid and Barcelona have thawed somewhat since the political crisis triggered by Catalonia’s independence declaration in late 2017 but the trial of 12 separatist leaders for their role in the secession bid and events leading up to it has been one of several sticking points to derail negotiations.
Polls show the support of Catalan parties may prove decisive if Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is to form a government after the vote. Most polls indicate Sanchez’s Socialists winning the most seats but falling short of a parliamentary majority. Sanchez came to power by winning a confidence motion last year with the support of Catalan separatist parties but was unable to secure their backing for his budget, effectively dooming the project and leading him to call an early election.
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