Catalan

The issue of Catalan independence has dominated regional politics for years, fuelled by a deep-rooted nationalist movement seeking separation from Spain

Demonstrators say this would threaten their cherished educational system, which has helped bring Catalan back to common use after it was suppressed during dictatorship of Gen. Francisco Franco

Spanish authorities deployed hundreds of extra police to the region in anticipation of the ruling

All are in jail and are currently being tried at Spain's Supreme Court

That October 1 referendum was marred when national police and Civil Guard officers clashed with voters

Senate to authorise government to rule Catalonia directly; Prime minister calls for calm