A leading politician in Catalonia's independence movement has held a news conference in an unusual setting — the Madrid prison where he is being held while standing trial for the region's secession effort.

Jordi Sanchez, the main candidate for the Together for Catalonia coalition in Spain's April 28 general election, appeared by video to reporters Thursday from a room in the Soto del Real prison.

Reporters asked questions from the Barcelona headquarters of Spain's official EFE news agency, which organized the event.

Sanchez sat at a small table. Behind him were a Spanish flag and a portrait of King Felipe VI — symbols which rile the Catalan separatists.

Spain's electoral board allowed the event as long as it didn't interfere with Sanchez's court appearances.