AP, MADRIDThe Spanish Supreme Court yesterday convicted 12 Catalan politicians and activists for their roles in a secession bid in 2017, a ruling that immediately inflamed independence supporters in the wealthy northeastern region. Three other former members of the Catalan Cabinet — Santiago Vila, Meritxell Borras and Carles Mundo — were fined for disobedience. The Spanish government stepped in and fired the Catalan regional government, with prosecutors later bringing charges. However, the Catalan Parliament unilaterally declared independence three weeks later, triggering Spain’s worst political crisis in decades. Seven separatist leaders allegedly involved in the events, including ousted Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, fled the country and are regarded by Spain as fugitives.

Source: Taipei Times October 14, 2019 15:56 UTC