Spain moving separatist politicians to prisons in Catalonia

MADRID – The Spanish government says nine politicians who were jailed for promoting the Catalonia region’s secession are being moved to prisons closer to their homes this week.

Prison authorities said in a statement on Monday that six of the pro-independence politicians would be transferred from custody near Madrid on Wednesday or Thursday.

They include former Catalan Vice-President Oriol Junqueras.

The statement says the other former members of the regional government that prompted an illegal declaration of independence last year will be moved later.

All nine are awaiting trial on charges that include rebellion, disobedience and misuse of public funds.

Moving the prisoners is seen as a goodwill gesture before a meeting between the new Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, and the new Catalan regional leader, Quim Torra, set for July 9.