Protests Erupt Across Catalonia After Puigdemont's Arrest in Germany

A series of protests were held across Catalonia – in the capitals of its four provinces – after the former president of the Catalan parliament, Carles Puigdemont was arrested in Germany.
Puigdemont was travelling back to Brussels from Finland when the German authorities intercepted him. He will be appearing before a German court for them to establish where he is to remain until he is extradited.
A European arrest warrant for the former president was issued once again on Friday. Puigdemont is wanted back in Spain to answer charged of sedition, rebellion and misuse of public funds for which he could be jailed for 25 years.
Meanwhile in Spain, the Spanish authorities have taken into custody more officials involved in the referendum and unilateral declaration of independence. Some of the most prominent pro-independence leaders remain in custody.
Puigdemont has been “exiled” in Brussels since he held an illegal referendum and unilaterally declared Catalonia’s independence in October last year.
In Barcelona, pro-independence protestors gathered outside the European commission building in the city and then moved on to the German embassy.
Some of the protestors turned violent when they arrived at the seat of the Spanish government, who are now in control of the region after suspending the Catalan parliament, in Barcelona which was cordoned off by police forces. They tried to break through the barriers.
Over 50 people were injured and three people were arrested.
> Naomi Round