Catalonia crisis: The longest week Published duration 4 November 2017 Related Topics Catalonia independence protests

image copyright AFP image caption Independence was a cherished dream for many which seemed to come true on 27 October

The Spanish region of Catalonia has just lived through the most momentous seven days in its recent history, which began with a proclamation of independence from Spain and ended with its leaders in jail, on bail or in exile.

Nobody could have foreseen how the baby steps of the self-declared "Catalan Republic" might turn out, but even its most implacable foes in Madrid might have been surprised at how quickly it tripped up.

Friday 27 October

Separatists in the regional parliament vote to declare a republic , based on the outcome of an illegal referendum at the start of the month. They call for Spain to hand over legal powers. Supporters outside greet the result with a huge cheer, while jubilant separatists in towns like Girona remove Spanish flags from public buildings. Later in the day, the Spanish Senate strikes back, giving the green light for the government to impose direct rule on the region, using emergency powers.

media caption The moment Catalan parliament declared independence

media caption At times there were tensions between opposing sets of demonstrators.

media caption No alternative to direct rule - Rajoy

Saturday 28 October

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dissolves the Catalan parliament , calls snap regional elections for 21 December and sacks Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and his cabinet. The Spanish national flag can be seen flying from private windows and balconies in Madrid in a display of Spanish patriotism not seen in decades.

media caption Mariano Rajoy said fresh elections would be held

media caption Flags in Catalonia and what they mean

Sunday 29 October

media caption Barcelona rally demonstrator: 'I feel forgotten by Catalan government'

Monday 30 October

Spain's chief prosecutor announces he is seeking charges of rebellion - punishable by up to 30 years in prison - sedition and misuse of public funds against Mr Puigdemont and 13 other members of his sacked cabinet. Mr Puigdemont and five of his ministers slip out of Spain, reportedly by road, driving to the French city of Marseille where they take a plane to Brussels, the heart of the EU but also capital of Belgium, which theoretically could grant them political asylum down the line.

Back in Catalonia, several separatist parties indicate they will take part in the 21 December election, despite it being called by Madrid. Civil servants return to work, dampening expectations in some quarters that they might make some gesture of civil disobedience against Spanish direct rule.

media caption Whatever you do, don't look down: Children scramble up human towers in Catalonia

Tuesday 31 October

media caption Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont on why he is in Brussels

media caption Carles Puigdemont: Spain has a 'democratic deficit'

media caption People expressed mixed views on Mr Puigdemont's actions

Wednesday 1 November

Time off from the politics to toast chestnuts as Catalonia marks the All Saints Day public holiday along with the rest of Spain.

Thursday 2 November

image copyright Reuters image caption Seven of the eight ex-ministers were pictured turning up to court in Madrid together

media caption In Barcelona's central square, the crowd sings Freedom for Catalonia