catalonia
Homophobic Franco nostalgists are using the controversy over Catalonia’s 2017 independence vote to polarize what was once a beacon of tolerance in Europe.
Much is at stake, both for Spain and for its wealthiest region, in this trial over an independence drive that attracted worldwide attention.
Spain's top court is expected to decide any day now on the fate of the politicians and activists behind Catalonia’s 2017 independence referendum.
Separatists declared victory in Thursday's regional election.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
A Spanish judge issued an arrest warrant for Puigdemont after the independence crisis.
Puigdemont also said he was not seeking asylum in Belgium.
Earlier, Catalan leaders had said they would not accept Spanish authority.
It's one of the biggest pro-unity rallies amid Catalonia's independence crisis.
The government voted to strip Catalonia of its autonomy less than an hour after the region declared independence.