FC Barcelona calls for release of Catalan independence leaders: ‘Prison is not the solution’ Spain’s Supreme Court has sentenced nine separatist leaders to between nine and 13 years in jail over their roles in 2017 referendum

FC Barcelona has called for the release of the Catalan separatist leaders who have been jailed for their roles in the 2017 independence referendum.

In a statement released on its website the football club stated “prison is not the solution” and urged for a “process of dialogue and negotiation” to resolve the conflict.

On Monday, Spain’s Supreme Court sentenced nine Catalan separatist leaders to between nine and 13 years in prison for sedition over their role in the region’s failed bid for independence.

“Just as pre-trial detention did not help resolve the conflict, neither will the sentence issued today, because prison is not the solution,” the club wrote.

“The resolution of the conflict that Catalonia is experiencing is exclusively through political dialogue.

Comunicado del FC Barcelona: "La prisión no es la solución" pic.twitter.com/s3xSOO95RX — FC Barcelona (desde ????) (@FCBarcelona_es) October 14, 2019

“Therefore, now more than ever, the club asks all policy makers to lead a process of dialogue and negotiation to resolve this conflict, which should also allow the release of convicted civic and political leaders.

“FC Barcelona also expresses all its support and solidarity to the families of those who are deprived of their freedom.”

Three other defendants in the landmark ruling over a banned referendum and short-lived independence declaration were found guilty only of disobedience and not sentenced to prison.

Grassroots pro-secession groups have previously said that if any of the defendants were found guilty they would organize protests and “peaceful civil disobedience.”

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

Reactions in Spain from across the political spectrum

Jose Luis Abalos, top ranking official from Spain’s ruling Socialists: “The sentence must be carried out and complied with,” the acting public works minister told public broadcaster TVE. “In Catalonia, there is a need for clear and responsible leadership on behalf of separatists.”

Pablo Casado, leader of the opposition People’s Party: “[Prime minister] Pedro Sanchez must affirm today that he will not pardon those convicted … We will be at the side of the government to preserve public order and to avoid violent attitudes in the streets.”

CDR, a grassroots separatist movement: “It is time to rise up against the authoritarian fascism of the Spanish state and its accomplices. It is time for the #PopularRevolt. Let us respond with disobedience, popular power and Republic!”

Carles Puigdemont, former head of Catalonia’s regional government: “100 years in prison in total. An atrocity. Now more than ever … It is time to react like never before. For the future of our sons and daughters. For democracy. For Europe. For Catalonia.”