More than 80% of participants opted for independence in the non-binding vote, staged in November 2014. The trial comes as tensions escalate between Madrid and Barcelona as the Catalan government prepares to hold another vote on separation later this year. Speaking at a press conference alongside Ortega and Rigau on Sunday, Mas defended the vote as a democratic exercise. Five months ago, Puigdemont announced that the Catalan government would again defy Madrid by holding a binding referendum in September this year. However, Mas and his fellow campaigners believe the trial could serve to win more people to their cause.

Source: The Guardian February 05, 2017 18:36 UTC