Spain's Supreme Court again rejects releasing 9 pro-independence leaders in pre-trial jail

The Spanish Supreme Court has rejected again releasing 9 pro-independence leaders in pre-trial jail.

The judges argue that there is a "flight risk" and the possibility of repeat offense, and reject considering the relatives' suffering as a reason to offer them bail.

"The relatives' feelings of suffering cannot become reasons to prompt their release," stated the judges in their ruling.

Nine pro-independence leaders are in pre-trial jail. Jordi Sànchez and Jordi Cuixart, two activists, have been in prison since October 16, 2017, so almost for a year.

Former vicepresident Oriol Junqueras and former Home Affairs minister Joaquim Forn were incarcerated on November 2, 2017 and have not left prison since then.

Former ministers Raül Romeva, Jordi Turull, Josep Rull and Dolors Bassa were imprisoned for a month in November 2017, and re-entered pre-trial last March after having been elected MPs.

Former parliament speaker Carme Forcadell has been in prison since March too.