Thousand of Catalan protesters demand release of poll officials

THOUSANDS GATHERED yesterday to demand the release of a dozen Catalan officials arrested in connection with a vote on independence that Spanish authorities say is illegal.

The demonstrators, who met at the gates of Catalonia’s judicial body in Barcelona, answered a call by pro-independence civic groups to stage long-term street protests against the police surprise crackdown one day earlier.

Acting on a judge’s orders, police seized 10 million ballot papers and arrested at least 12 people, mostly Catalan government officials.

The arrests were the first involving Catalan officials since the campaign to hold an independence vote began in earnest in 2011.

Catalan vice-president Oriol Junqueras acknowledged that the crackdown had disrupted the referendum plans.

“It’s evident that we won’t be able to vote like we have done in the past,” Mr Junqueras told broadcaster TV3.

Even so, he remained confident there will be a large turnout of Catalans on October 1, whatever form the vote takes.

Pro-independence leaders have insisted the ballot will go ahead despite the obstacles.

The Catalan National Assembly, a driving force behind the secession movement, urged people to gather outside the region’s justice tribunal and bring tents.

By midday, the protesting crowds filled a square the size of two soccer fields and erupted in slogans chanting “We will vote!” and “Hello democracy”.

Many wrapped themselves in the “estelada” flag, which has become a symbol of those in favour of an independent Catalan republic, and some climbed lampposts to get a better view.