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Catalans halt publicity for planned independence vote Catalans rally for independence vote after setback
(about 3 hours later)
The Catalan government has agreed to stop publicity around its referendum on independence from Spain. Thousands of Catalans have joined protests against Spain's Constitutional Court after it suspended a proposed regional independence referendum.
Its decision came after Spain's Constitutional Court halted the vote, scheduled for 9 November, on Monday. About 5,000 people took to the streets of the regional capital Barcelona to demand their right to vote on Tuesday.
Francesc Homs, a government spokesman, said the government was "determined" the vote would go ahead. Earlier, the Catalan government said it was halting its publicity campaign for the referendum while it sought to overturn the court's ruling.
Catalonia's government would argue in defence of the referendum and try to overturn the suspension, he said. The vote was suspended after a request from the Spanish central government.
The court, acting on a request from the Spanish government, said it needed to consider whether the vote breached Spain's constitution. The court said it needed time to consider arguments about whether the 9 November vote breached the country's constitution.
While the court studies the appeals, all campaigning must stop until it makes a ruling.While the court studies the appeals, all campaigning must stop until it makes a ruling.
The Catalan National Assembly, an influential group lobbying for independence, has rallied its supporters to protest against the court's decision. The Catalan regional government said it would stop publicity but insisted it would try to overturn the suspension.
Francesc Homs, a Catalan government spokesman, said they were "determined" the vote would go ahead.
The Catalan National Assembly, an influential group lobbying for independence, was behind the protests in a rainy Barcelona on Tuesday night.
"Not rain nor snow nor any court will stop us," Carme Forcadell, the group's leader, told reporters. "On November 9 we will vote and we will win."
Scottish flagsScottish flags
On Saturday, the leader of Catalonia, Artur Mas, signed a decree calling for the referendum. Last Saturday, the leader of Catalonia, Artur Mas, signed a decree calling for the referendum.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy told reporters the vote was not "compatible with the Spanish constitution". He added: "Nobody and nothing will be allowed to break up Spain."Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy told reporters the vote was not "compatible with the Spanish constitution". He added: "Nobody and nothing will be allowed to break up Spain."
Support for independence has increased in Catalonia in reaction to Spain's economic crisis.Support for independence has increased in Catalonia in reaction to Spain's economic crisis.
On 11 September a vast crowd rallied in support of independence in Barcelona.On 11 September a vast crowd rallied in support of independence in Barcelona.
Spurred on by Scotland's recent independence referendum, many were seen waving the Scottish flag.Spurred on by Scotland's recent independence referendum, many were seen waving the Scottish flag.
On 19 September, the regional parliament voted by 106 to 28 in favour of granting Catalonia's president the power to hold a referendum.On 19 September, the regional parliament voted by 106 to 28 in favour of granting Catalonia's president the power to hold a referendum.
Catalonia's 7.5 million inhabitants make up approximately 16 % of the population of Spain but it is one of Spain's richest and most highly industrialised regions. Catalonia's 7.5 million inhabitants make up approximately 16% of the population of Spain. It is one of Spain's richest and most highly industrialised regions.