Catalonia’s pro-independence leaders are heading forward with the referendum that Spain has deemed illegal.
“More than 160 schools in Catalonia have been occupied by activists trying to keep them open ahead of the region’s banned independence referendum, Spain’s central government says.
“Police visited 1,300 of the 2,315 schools in Catalonia designated as polling stations, finding 163 occupied.
“Tens of thousands of people are expected to attempt to vote on Sunday.
“Demonstrators also rallied in Barcelona on Saturday evening against the poll, calling instead for unity with Spain.
“Waving Spanish flags and carrying banners reading “Catalonia is Spain”, thousands marched on the town hall.
“Meanwhile, Spanish authorities are stepping up their attempts to stop the ballot taking place.”
Read more at BBC
