Two senior MP investigated for 2017 referendum reject testifying in court

Two senior pro-independence MPs that are being investigated for their role in the 2017 Catalan referendum rejected testifying before the Catalan high court (TSJC) on Wednesday.

Esquerra Republicana members Josep Maria Jové and Lluís Salvadó claimed their right to not answer questions some two weeks after being indicted for the crimes of disobedience, breach of official duty, misuse of funds, and disclosure of secrets.

They made it clear to the magistrate in charge of the inquiry that, in their opinion, they are victims of "a general ongoing case against the independence camp."

Both Jové and Salvadó arrived in court accompanied by several Esquerra members and officials of other pro-independence forces, such as Junts per Catalunya.

The alleged acts center around their participation in the organization of the 2017 independence referendum that was deemed illegal by Spanish authorities.

At the time of the vote, Jové held the post of secretary general of the economy department, and Salvadó was the secretary of the treasury department.

The court ruling means that the two politicians will almost certainly face trial for their alleged actions, although they can still appeal.