Catalan trial: Big crowds for Artur Mas independence vote case

Thousands of supporters filled the streets outside a court in Barcelona on Monday as the former Catalan president Artur Mas went on trial.

He is accused of involvement in the Spanish region's unofficial vote on independence in November 2014.

Mr Mas is facing accusations of serious civil disobedience after the vote went ahead in defiance of Spain's constitutional court.

Prosecutors are calling for him to be disqualified from office for 10 years.

It is the first time that a leader of the Catalan government has gone on trial. Artur Mas will appear with two former associates.

Mr Mas, his deputy Joana Ortega, and Catalan former education minister Irene Rigau face accusations ranging from disobedience and perverting the course of justice to misuse of public funds.