Hundreds of Thousands Demand Freedom for Imprisoned Separatists in Barcelona

Approximately 750,000 protesters took to the streets of Barcelona, demanding the release of Catalan separatist leaders detained by the Spanish central government. The demonstration on November 20 was organized by supporters of Catalonia's independence from Spain, who, while holding Catalan flags, called for the 'freedom of political prisoners.' The Spanish Supreme Court has ordered the arrest of eight former officials of the Catalonia regional government and leaders of the 'Catalan National Assembly.' The charges against the detainees include 'rebellion,' 'public disorder,' and 'misuse of public funds.' Among those arrested, the President of the Catalan Parliament has been released after paying a $175,000 bail. The wealthy region of Catalonia, which has its own language and culture, declared independence at the end of last month following a similar referendum. The central government in Madrid has deemed the referendum illegal and rejected its outcome. Following the referendum and declaration of independence, Madrid dissolved Carles Puigdemont and his government in Catalonia, as well as the regional parliament. Puigdemont then fled to Belgium with four other members of his dissolved government; Madrid has issued arrest warrants for these individuals on charges of 'public disorder' and 'rebellion.' The central government has also suspended Catalonia's autonomy and called for new elections by December 21 (in one month and ten days).