In Spain, Catalonia is still being run by the central government half a year after the autonomous north-eastern region declared independence unilaterally. The leading separatist leaders are either in jail or in self-imposed exile abroad. Spanish courts have charged 25 independence leaders for their role in the October independence referendum that was banned by the constitutional court. The families of those in custody say they haven't given up their battle for an independent republic and the independence movement is still actively protesting. They demand that their leaders are freed, describing them as "political prisoners". Some activists want to step up their defiance against the Spanish state. But they know they could face court action if they do.

Report by Margaux Subra-Gomez, Mélina Huet, adaptation by Sarah Morris.

A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, François Wibaux and James Vasina.