Catalonia: New Protests after Secession Leaders Jailed
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Protesters are gathering for a fresh round of demonstrations in Barcelona to demand the release of two leaders of Catalonia's pro-independence movement who were jailed in a sedition probe.
A Madrid judge on Monday provisionally jailed Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, the leaders of grassroots organizations Catalan National Assembly and Omnium Cultural, AP reported.
The judge ruled they were the orchestrators of massive demonstrations Sept. 20-21 in Barcelona that hindered a police operation against preparations for the Oct. 1 independence referendum.
Protests have been called at midday Tuesday in Barcelona, the Catalan capital, and an evening demonstration is also planned.
Thousands of supporters, carrying posters reading "Freedom for the political prisoners" banged pots and pans and honked car horns in Barcelona following the jailing Monday.