Spain's Supreme Court jailed nine Catalan separatist leaders for between nine and 13 years for their role in a 2017 failed independence bid, a decision that triggered mass protests in the region and left the future course of the dispute uncertain. Police have fired foam bullets and used batons against thousands of protesters who converged on Barcelona's airport. Protesters fought back by throwing objects, spraying fire extinguishers and breaking windows during clashes that lasted into the night.
Regional emergency service SEM said at least 75 people were treated for injuries, while Spain's airport operator, AENA, said at least 108 flights were canceled. Protesters also blocked access to the city metro and airport train.
Earlier, the Spanish Supreme Court imposed prison sentences ranging from nine to 13 years on nine Catalan separatist leaders, prompting thousands to take to the streets of Barcelona to vent their anger. The prison terms were lower than demanded by the prosecution, which had requested up to 25 years behind bars for the former Catalan Vice President Oriol Junqueras.The court sentenced Junqueras to 13 years of prison on grounds of sedition and the misuse of public funds. It also handed 12-year terms to three other former regional ministers.
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