Catalans were set to vote Thursday in a highly contested regional election that follows months of unrest and a political standoff against Spain's central government over the region's bid for independence. Some separatist leaders were jailed or fled the country after the referendum was declared illegal by Spain’s government and highest court. Others, meanwhile, face charges of rebellion and sedition, including former Catalan regional President Carles Puigdemont, who left for Belgium. “They don’t realize how many people they converted,” said Ana Pousa, 38, who was born in Spain but grew up in Catalonia. Cristina Calaco, 51, said she was aghast the way the secessionist leaders forced through the vote in October.

Source: Fox News December 21, 2017 05:56 UTC