Spanish court annuls Catalonia's declaration of independence

Ruling comes amid pro-secession protests and strikes across region

(AP)

Spain's Constitutional Court has officially annulled the Catalan parliament's unilateral declaration of independence.

The court had initially suspended implementation of the secession declaration last month while it studied its legality following a challenge by the Spanish government.

The Madrid government sacked Catalonia's president and dismissed its parliament hours after the region declared itself independent with 70 votes for, 10 votes against on 27 October, and after lawmakers from three national parties walked out of the vote.

New elections will be held on 21 December.

Former regional president Carles Puigdemont faces years in prison if convicted on rebellion charges over the declaration, as do other leading members of the separatist cause. He is currently in Belgium, fighting an extradition order.

The court's ruling came as pro-independence protesters blocked roads and stopped commuter trains in the northeastern region as part of a strike to protest the jailing of ousted Catalan government officials and secessionist activists.

Many of the blockades were on roads leading to major Catalan cities, including the regional capital Barcelona, and major highways, the Catalan Transit Service said. Disruptions affected more than 60 sections of road and highway throughout the morning, it said.

National railway operator Renfe said services were halted on dozens of local lines as protesters blocked railway tracks. Several national high-speed lines were also affected. In northern Girona, several protesters pushed past police controls to enter the city's main railway station.

Intersindical CSC, a platform of pro-independence workers' unions, had called the strike for labour issues. But separatist parties and civil society groups asked workers to join the stoppage to protest the Spanish government's moves against the Catalan bid for independence.

The strike was not backed by Spain's two main unions and was not reported to be having any major effect on industry or in the region's prized tourism sector.