'Atrocity' and 'inhumane,' pro-referendum camp rejects verdict on Catalan leaders

An "atrocity," "vengeance" and "inhumane" were some of the reactions from Catalonia's pro-independence camp on hearing that the Supreme Court had sentenced nine leaders to between 9 and 13 years in prison for their role in the 2017 independence referendum.

One of the main pro-independence parties, Esquerra Republicana (ERC), called the sentences "an act of vengeance" and a "historical error." The party also called on people to protest peacefully "in the streets and at the ballot box" in the November 10 general election.

The other main pro-independence party, Junts per Catalunya (JxCat) called the sentences "an atrocity." Calling the Spanish justice system "inumane and anti-democratic," the party said the sentences "shows that the only possible path forward is independence."

Meanwhile, the far-left pro-independence party, CUP, said the sentences showed that in Spain "there is no room for anyone to challenge an unjust and repressive regime." CUP also called on people "to take to the streets for as many days as needed."