Catalonia: Spanish prosecutors file referendum suit against Catalan leader Mas

Artur Mas, his deputy in Catalonia, and his education minister face prosecution in Spain for staging a non-binding referendum on Catalan independence. Charges, including abuse of power, were filed on Friday

- State prosecutors on Friday filed charges against the regional leader in Catalonia, Artur Mas, the latest chapter in the fallout from last month's symbolic independence referendum, which was conducted despite a court injunction.

Mas, his deputy Joana Ortega and the Catalan government's education minister, Irene Rigau, will face charges of civil disobedience, abuse of power, usurpation of duties, and embezzlement of public funds, the public prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Prosecutors in Madrid had confirmed on Wednesday that they would seek charges, without specifying which, after Catalan prosecutors rejected launching a suit on the issue. On Thursday, Mas said at a news conference that he found the decision "very disappointing."

"It is sad to see that when the Catalan people want to express their opinion … the reaction of the state comes from the courts and prosecutors," he said. Full Story