Over 100,000 people marched in Barcelona on Saturday, to demand the freedom for political prisoners, return of exiles and an end to reprisals by the Spanish state.

The protesters marched through the city, carrying a big banner, reading “Not as prisoners, not as exiles, we want them [Catalan politicians] at home”, as well as numerous Catalan flags.

Heading the crowd was Joaquim Torra, President of the Generalitat of Catalonia. Speaking to the press, he said, “They must be released immediately. We demand from the Spanish state to release the political prisoners, and to allow the immediate return of our exiles.”

Marta Vilalta from the Republican Left of Catalonia party, added, “The German justice said that there was no rebellion and no sedition, that there wasn't violence, so they are truly political prisoners, those who are now in prison.”

The march was organised by grassroots campaigners from Omnium Cultural, la ANC y la Associacio Catalans pels Drets Civils.