Nine Catalan political leaders and activists have been convicted to between 9 and 13 years in jail for their role in the 2017 independence referendum, found guilty of sedition and in some cases misuse of funds.

Spain’s Supreme Court convicted former vice president Oriol Junqueras to 13 years behind bars, with former ministers Jordi Turull, Raül Romeva and Dolors Bassa getting a 12-year sentence. The former parliament speaker, Carme Forcadell, was sentenced to 11 and a half years for sedition. Former ministers Joaquim Forn and Josep Rull got 10.5-year sentences each, with leading activists Jordi Sànchez and Jordi Cuixart being sentenced to 9 years, also for sedition.

The long-awaited verdict sparked protests all throughout Catalonia, with several pro-independence groups calling demonstrations and blocking major roads in Barcelona. Early in the afternoon, the Tsunami Democràtic group called to block the Barcelona airport. The prison sentences attracted international attention, with major political figures reacting to the verdict.

Follow the latest developments here.