Arrimadas says Torra will be ‘responsible’ for reaction to trial against pro-independence leaders

Inés Arrimadas, the leader of the opposition in the Catalan Parliament, hit out at President Quim Torra before the chamber on Wednesday, warning him that he will be "responsible" for how independence supporters react if their prosecuted leaders receive prison sentences.

Nine politicians and activists are being held in pre-trial jail for organizing a referendum on independence in defiance of rulings by Spanish courts. They face charges of rebellion, which carry sentences of up to 30 years in prison.

Protesters clashed with police officers after making it as far as the gates of Parliament on Monday, marking one year since the independence vote. Unionists accused president Torra of inciting the violence, as he had previously praised pro-independence groups for putting pressure on his government.