Catalonia independence news

Here are some recent news articles and updates on the Catalonia independence movement:

Recent Developments:

• On October 14, 2020, the Spanish Supreme Court sentenced nine Catalan separatist leaders to prison terms ranging from 9 to 13 years for their roles in the 2017 independence referendum and subsequent declaration of independence. The sentences were widely condemned by Catalan separatists and international human rights organizations.
• In November 2020, the Catalan government announced plans to hold a new independence referendum in 2021, despite opposition from the Spanish government.
• In December 2020, the Spanish government approved a new law aimed at preventing Catalonia from holding an independence referendum. The law gives the central government the power to veto any referendum held in Catalonia.

Recent News Articles:

• "Catalan separatist leaders sentenced to prison in Spain" (BBC News, October 14, 2020)
• "Catalonia to hold new independence referendum in 2021, says regional leader" (The Guardian, November 12, 2020)
• "Spain approves law to prevent Catalonia holding independence referendum" (The Guardian, December 17, 2020)
• "Catalan separatists vow to continue fight for independence despite prison sentences" (The Telegraph, October 15, 2020)
• "Catalonia's independence movement: What's next?" (Al Jazeera, November 20, 2020)

Background:

The Catalonia independence movement has been ongoing since the 1970s, but it gained significant momentum in the 2010s. In 2017, the Catalan government held an independence referendum, which was declared illegal by the Spanish government. The referendum resulted in a majority of voters supporting independence, but the Spanish government responded by imposing direct rule on Catalonia and arresting several high-ranking Catalan officials.

Since then, the Catalan government has continued to push for independence, while the Spanish government has maintained its opposition. The issue has become a major point of contention between the two governments, with many Catalans feeling that their rights and culture are being suppressed by the Spanish state.

Key Players:

• Quim Torra: The President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, the autonomous government of Catalonia.
• Carles Puigdemont: A former President of the Generalitat of Catalonia who was arrested in 2017 and is currently in exile in Belgium.
• Oriol Junqueras: A former Vice President of the Generalitat of Catalonia who was arrested in 2017 and is currently in prison.
• Pedro Sánchez: The Prime Minister of Spain, who has been a strong opponent of Catalan independence.

International Reaction:

The Catalonia independence movement has received support from some international organizations and governments, including the European Parliament and the government of Belgium. However, many other governments, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have expressed support for the Spanish government's position and opposed Catalan independence.