'Over 700 people' sign manifesto against jailing leaders in Italy

The Catalan foreign minister, Alfred Bosch, was in Italy on Wednesday and Thursday to hold several meetings with civil society representatives who have promoted a manifesto in the country against jailing Catalan leaders.

Bosch told the press on Wednesday that "over 700 people" have already signed the manifesto, which also demands for Spain not to "judicialize" politics and calls on the conflict between Catalonia and Spain to be solved with dialogue.

The minister started a tour throughout Europe when the trial against the 2017 Catalan referendum began on February 12, and he has so far held meetings and given talks in cities such as Paris, Berlin, London and Reykjavik.

In Rome, Bosch stated that wherever he has been, he has noticed "a great interest" in the Catalan political conflict and people willing to avoid what he described as a "historic mistake."

According to him, while in Italy he has met "representatives of the main political parties" in the Italian chamber, including both of the political forces in power.

On Wednesday, Bosch met some intellectuals who have promoted the manifesto, including the jurist Fabio Marcelli.

Speaking to the press, he said that "a guilty verdict for the prosecuted leaders will lead to a rupture not only in Spain and Catalonia, but also in Europe."