Pro-independence Catalans march to mark independence push

Hundreds of thousands of pro-independence Catalans took to the streets of Barcelona on Tuesday to mark the anniversary of the unilateral referendum last year which prompted political crisis in the country.

Catalan leader Joaquim Torra called for the release of some 20 colleagues who spearheaded the push for secession but are in prison awaiting trial.

"It’s a struggle for basic rights and freedom of expression in Spain," Torra told media.