Independence trial will start on February 12

The trial against the 2017 referendum and declaration of independence will start on February 12.

Twelve pro-independence leaders –nine of which in pre-trial jail– will face Spain's Supreme Court in Madrid from that day.

They were being transferred on Friday from the Catalan prisons where they had been incarcerated for months to two Madrid region penitentiary centers.

Nine of the officials to be tried are facing rebellion charges, including the former Catalan vice president, some former ministers, the former parliament speaker and two grassroots leaders.

All the former government members are also facing misuse of funds allegations.

The public prosecutor has requested prison sentences of up to 25 years for each of them, and the joined sentences total 177 years.