Spanish police arrest Catalan separatists on suspicion of terrorism

Nine activists linked to network calling for civil disobedience arrested in Barcelona area

Nine Catalan independence activists have been arrested in Barcelona and face charges of "rebellion, terrorism and possession of explosives", authorities have said.

Police said they confiscated material they allege could be used in bomb making during raids early on Monday morning. The raids were aimed at aborting actions that "could have caused irreparable damages", prosecutors said in a statement.