Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Protests Erupt After Spain Sentences Catalan Separatists Leaders VOA News Spanish riot police have clashed with protesters outside Barcelona's airport Monday after the Supreme Court sentenced nine former Catalan separatist leaders to lengthy prison terms for their attempt to declare independence from Spain in 2017. Witnesses say police with batons charged at the protesters who were blocking the entrance to El Prat airport. References Visible links Hidden links: 1. file://localhost/europe/spain-hands-catalans-lengthy-prison-terms-over-secession-bid .