Protests as cops detain Catalan govt officials

Spanish police detained 13 Catalan government officials yesterday as they crack down on preparations for an independence referendum in the region which Madrid says is illegal, sparking angry protests in Barcelona.

The police raids came amid mounting tensions as Catalan leaders press ahead with preparations for the October 1 vote despite Madrid's ban and a court ruling deeming it unconstitutional.

Among those arrested by Spain's Guardia Civil police force was Josep Maria Jove, secretary general of economic affairs and the deputy of Catalonia's vice president Oriol Junqueras, a regional government spokesman said.

The others work in various Catalan government departments, including its economic and budget affairs departments, a local Guardia Civil spokesman said.

The reasons for the arrests were not immediately clear, but Spain's central government has warned that officials who help stage the referendum could face criminal charges.

Police said they were carrying out a total of 22 searches as part of the operation.

Spanish police also seized "close to 10 million ballot papers" in Catalonia due to be used for an independence referendum banned by Madrid.

A source close to the case who requested anonymity added that the ballots were confiscated in Bigues, about 45 kilometres (28 miles) north of Barcelona.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside near Jove's office in central Barcelona, chanting "Independence" and "We will vote". Many were drapped in red and yellow Catalan flags.

Anna Sola, an unemployed 45-year-old, said she rushed to Jove's office after hearing of his arrest on the news and through text messages from friends.

"They are attacking our institutions, those that we voted for, just for simply doing what the people want, and without any respect," she said.

"It is shameful what is happening in Catalonia, there are no words for it."