Catalonia pushes for independence from Spain: What to know (Report)

Spanish prosecutors on Monday said they are seeking charges against the ousted Catalonia Cabinet – days after Spain took over the semi-autonomous region that declared itself independent.

Spain imposed direct control of Catalonia on Friday after its parliament declared independence. The country invoked a never-before used constitutional amendment to take control of the region, giving Spain the ability to sack Catalonia President Carles Puigdemont and his cabinet as well as authorize the government to curtail the region’s parliamentary powers.

Jose Manuel Maza, Spain’s chief prosecutor, on Monday called for charges against Catalan leaders, including sedition, embezzlement and provocation by regional officials. The crimes can be punished, respectively, with up to 30, 15 and six years in prison under Spanish laws.

European neighbors – including Italy and France – have condemned the independence declaration and rallied behind Spain.

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