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Barcelona police and separatist protesters clash for second night

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Wednesday, 16 October, 2019, 12:05
Barcelona police and separatist protesters clash for second night

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Barcelona for a second night to protest against the lengthy jail sentences given to local separatist leaders over their role in Catalonia's failed bid for independence from Spain two years ago.

Nine politicians were found guilty of sedition by Spain's Supreme Court on Monday and sentenced to between nine and 13 years in prison for their involvement in organising an October 2017 independence referendum, which was ruled illegal.

Pro-secession leaders have pledged to keep pushing for a new referendum, saying the prison sentences strengthened the movement.

On Tuesday, some protesters in Barcelona threw cans and flares at riot police, while also setting fire to cardboard and rubbish in some parts of the city. They also tried to kick down security barriers set up around the Spanish government headquarters in central Barcelona.