Catalan police officers testify in independence trial

Former Catalan police officers began giving their testimony in Spain’s Supreme Court on Thursday afternoon, in what are set to be key witnesses in the trial against independence leaders.

Manel Castellví was the information head of the Catalan police, the Mossos d’Esquadra, when Catalan leaders called a referendum and declared independence in 2017 despite Spain’s opposition. He took to the stand to explain the role of the Catalan police during the independence bid.

Emili Quevedo, the former head of staff and security of the Mossos, is set to speak after Castellví.

With Spanish police leaders accusing Mossos' officers of not doing enough to stop the referendum, the testimony of Catalan police officers is set to be crucial to defend themselves against their accusations.

The former police chief, Josep Lluís Trapero, is set to speak in the Catalan trial next week. As he is under investigation in a different case, he could reject giving his testimony.