Gwynedd Council’s leader has condemned the Spanish Government for “an attack on democracy” following the jailing of nine Catalan separatist leaders.

The supreme court’s decision saw large crowds of pro-independence protesters clash with police at Barcelona’s El Prat international airport last week with thousands also marching in the city centre, blocking some streets and access to metro stations.

The separatists had been convicted of sedition over their role in what was adjudged to be an illegal independence referendum in 2017, with all set to serve between nine and 13 years in prison.

Among these was Carme Forcadell, a former speaker of the Catalan parliament, who was sentenced to 11 and a half years.

Another three were found guilty of disobedience and fined.

But the leader of Gwynedd Council, which itself has formally backed the principle of Welsh independence from the United Kingdom, used last Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting to condemn the actions of the Spanish Government.

Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn, during a statement to members in Caernarfon: “They have been jailed for being so bold as to seek a vote on the matter of independence.

“It is my and the Cabinet’s view that this is a direct attack on democracy and a threat to democracy everywhere. It is our responsibility to make our voice known and to oppose such a transgression.”

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