Jailed former minister predicts 'social and political' response if Catalan leaders found guilty

Former minister Quim Forn insists there will be a major "social and political" response should he and other pro-independence leaders in custody be found guilty in their upcoming trial.

In an interview with the Catalan News Agency (ACN), the former home affairs minister, who responded in writing from Lledoners prison, also spoke about the hunger strike by himself and three other prisoners.

The protest is making an impact in the foreign media, Forn insists, and he adds that he will  abandon it "once our aims have been achieved." Four of the imprisoned leaders are on a hunger strike to protest the "inaction" of the Constitutional Court in processing their appeals.

The role of relatives of the prisoners is key in explaining the situation in Catalonia to the wider world. How do things look from Lledoners?

Our family members have a very important role. They have had to act as our voice, the responsibility of explaining what we are going through has fallen to them. It has not been easy for them.

With Christmas coming, do you expect the protests showing solidarity with you outside the prison to increase?

There have been constant protests outside the prison since we arrived. Every day they wish us "good night," it is especially busy at the weekends, but I would say that almost every day we get people who want to show us their displeasure. From the prison yard we can hear their shouts of "freedom." It is very moving for us.