Spanish official compares holding independence referendum with rape

A Spanish foreign affairs official has compared the Catalan independence referendum with rape, because the organizers of the unauthorized ballot went ahead without "the permission" of the authorities.

“Sex is not forbidden, like voting is not forbidden, but you can’t do it forcefully. You have to have the permission to do it, otherwise it’s rape,” Irene Lozano told Sky News.

Lozano, who is the Secretary of State for Global Spain, which comes under the Spanish foreign ministry, was interviewed about the trial of independence leaders on the British news channel on Wednesday.

After the interviewer suggested that a prison sentence of 25 years for organizing the vote was excessive, Lozano said "that's a matter of opinion," adding, "it is the court who has to make this decision."