Europe
Catalan separatists determined to hold independence vote
9 years agoPeople wave "Estelada" flags during the closing meeting of the Catalan pro-independence groups and political parties that campaign for 'Yes' in the upcoming October 1 referendum on self-determination in Catalonia, in Barcelona on September 29, 2017. With two days left until an independence referendum in Catalonia opposed by Madrid, Catalan leaders say they have over 2,000 polling stations ready despite a crackdown on their preparations for the vote. LLUIS GENE / AFP
Catalan separatists showed determination Saturday to press ahead with an independence referendum banned by Madrid, occupying dozens of schools designated as polling stations to stop police from closing them down.