MADRID — A secession vote in Spain’s Catalonia region that took place amid police violence one year ago not only posed a traumatic challenge to Spanish democracy, but nearly tore apart Barcelona resident Teresa Reyes’ family. A judicial investigation led to the imprisonment of some separatist leaders, while others fled Spain to avoid arrest in self-imposed exile. The December election in Catalonia and a no-confidence vote in the national parliament brought in main new main players. On the issue of secession, Torra and Sanchez have agreed it needs to be settled with a vote. The so-called pragmatists — led from prison by Catalonia’s former vice-president — want to widen support for secession in the region before making another push.

Source: National Post September 30, 2018 13:00 UTC