Protesters, police in fierce battles at airport

(14 Oct 2019) Riot police engaged in a running battle with protesters outside Barcelona's airport Monday after Spain's Supreme Court convicted 12 separatist leaders of illegally promoting Catalonian independence and sentenced nine of them to prison. Police fired foam bullets and used batons against the thousands of protesters who converged on the airport after a pro-independence grassroots group called out supporters. Protesters fought back by throwing objects, spraying fire extinguishers and breaking windows. Regional emergency service SEM said 53 people were treated for injuries at the airport. Spain's airport operator, AENA, said at least 108 flights were cancelled. Nine of the 12 Catalan politicians and activists were found guilty of sedition and given prison sentences of nine to 13 years. Four of them were additionally convicted of misuse of public funds. The other three were fined for disobedience. The court barred all of them from holding public office. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...