Demonstrators clash with police in Barcelona on October 18, 2019. (Photo: dpa)

Black smoke rose 10 meters above the city as protesters set fire to rubbish bins and a newspaper kiosk. The protest brought the city to a standstill. The entrance to the Catalan capital’s landmark – the Sagrada Familia church – was blocked and 57 flights were cancelled at Barcelona-El Prat airport.

The Spanish Supreme Court on Monday sentenced 9 pro-independence politicians to up to 13 years in prison.