Catalan leader Jordi Cuixart holds a banner in front of the Lledoners prison after the Spanish government announced a pardon for those who participated in Catalonia's failed 2017 independence bid, Sant Joan de Vilatorrada, near Barcelona, Spain, June 23, 2021. REUTERS/Albert Gea
MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's government said on Wednesday that pardons granted to nine jailed Catalan separatists leaders did not mean it was prepared to discuss a referendum on independence for the region.
The Supreme Court authorised the release of the nine politicians and activists after the cabinet approved the clemency measure in a gesture it hopes will foster dialogue to keep the region part of Spain.
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