Christmas carols for freedom of ‘political prisoners’ sang across Catalonia

Christmas carols were sang on Sunday morning in a number of squares in Catalonia in order to urge the release of the four pro-independence leaders who are in prison. The iconic yellow color was one of the highlights of the event, with many attendees wearing yellow hats and scarves, and also holding banners of this color. Yellow is the color that has become a symbol of solidarity with the jailed officials.

In Barcelona, the event was held outside La Model prison, which was closed down earlier this year. The hosts of the event, the pro-independence organizations Catalan National Assembly and Òmnium Cultural, explained that in La Model, many “political prisoners” were held in custody along its 113 years of history.

The deposed Catalan justice minister, Carles Mundó, closed it down due to its poor conditions. Some months later, in November, he was jailed in a Madrid region prison for 32 days following the declaration of independence. While six Catalan ministers are now freed after one month held in custody, the deposed Catalan vice president, Oriol Junqueras and three more leaders are still behind bars. All of them will spend Christmas in jail, around 700 km far from their homes.

A number of Catalan towns held similar events, including Girona, Tarragona, Lleida and Badalona. The lyrics of some of carols sang were adapted to the current political situation in the country and the imprisonments. While Oriol Junqueras will testify at the Spanish Supreme Court on January 4, the other three jailed leaders –Catalan home affairs minster Joaquim Forn, and civil leaders Jordi Sànchez and Jordi Cuixart– will face the judge once more on January 11.