Catalonia Independence: 300,000 Attend Barcelona Pro-Spain Rally

Hundreds of thousands have attended a rally for Spanish unity in Barcelona after Catalonia was stripped of its autonomy for declaring independence.

Many urged the jailing of sacked Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont. Mr Puigdemont was dismissed as Spain’s central government took control of Catalan institutions.

Spain’s foreign minister has said that he could run for re-election in December – if he has not been imprisoned by then.

Alfonso Dastis’s comments come as Spain’s chief prosecutor prepares to file criminal charges against the pro-independence leader, who has said he does not recognise the order from Madrid removing him from power.

Meanwhile, in an open letter, Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido has urged the Catalan regional police force to accept temporary direction from Madrid.