Thousands of Catalonia supporters hit Barcelona streets, demand release of separatist leaders

The streets of Barcelona in Spain has been thronged by scores of Catalonia independence supporters demanding the release of separatist leaders arrested and detained for their roles in the region’s demand to split from Spain.

Reports say supporters filled Avenue Marina that runs from the beach to Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia church dressed in yellow ribbons on their lapels to signify support for Catalonia independence while the jailed leaders’ families made speeches.

“Look at all the people here,” said 63-year-old Pep Morales. “The independence movement is still going strong.”

Read also: Spanish court annuls Catalonia’s independence declaration

In a related development, Judge Pablo Llarena of the Spanish Supreme Court has granted five Catalonia independence leaders bail including Carme Forcadell, a pro-independence activist and former speaker of the Catalonia Parliament.

However, reports say after posting the 150,000 euro (U.S. $175,000) bond, Forcadell has been allowed to go home according to his lawyer, Andreu Van der Eynde.

The Supreme Court judge while explaining his decision to grant the five independence leaders bail, said: “All the accused … have expressed they would either renounce future political activity or those who will remain active, will do it within the (Spanish) constitutional framework.”

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