Protests in Barcelona as Catalan activists remanded

Hundreds of protesters chanted slogans about freedom, carrying placards and banners with messages of the pro-independence activists' innocence.

The protesters demand European Union support for the region's efforts to break away from Spain as well as the release of the politicians and activists.

A total of twelve defendants - including three who were released on bail - could be imprisoned for decades if they end up convicted of rebellion, the gravest of the charges.

Defense lawyers say they should be acquitted.

One of the protesters, local musician Francesc Munoz, called the trial "a real farce," adding it was a "political judgment of the people of Catalonia."