Thousands protest in Spain over possible amnesty for Catalan separatists

Around 40,000 gather at rally in Madrid over potential pardon for activists, ahead of vote to decide election results

At least 40,000 people gathered in Madrid on Sunday to protest over a possible amnesty for people who took part in a failed push for Catalan independence six years ago, whichthrew Spain into its worst political crisis in decades.

The divisive issue of an amnesty arose after July's inconclusive general election. The conservative People's party (PP) finished first, defeating the governing Spanish Socialist Workers' party (PSOE) but falling well short of an overall majority.