Spain's highest court this week sentenced nine Catalan separatist leaders to prison terms of between nine and 13 years. In connection with this, a European arrest warrant was issued regarding former regional president Carles Puigdemont who lives in Belgium.

Puigdemont has now surrendered itself to the Belgian authorities, reports the news agency AP. However, he made it clear that he opposes all extradition attempts to Spain, according to Spanish El Pais.

Protests in Barcelona

Carles Puigdemont's indictment for rioting and mistreatment with public funds because of his role in organizing an independence vote in 2017. The same crimes that several other separatist leaders were convicted on Monday.

Following the judgments against the separatist leaders, large protests have taken place in Barcelona. During Friday, thousands of new protesters are expected to reach the Catalan capital, and police have, among other things, blocked off roads to prepare for a demonstration scheduled at 5pm on Friday.