Thousands of supporters filled the streets outside a Barcelona court house, as the former head of Catalonia went to trial.<br /><br /> Artur Mas, was governor of the eastern Spanish region when it held an independence vote without the legal backing of government in 2014.<br /><br /> He stands accused of civil disobedience, and prosecutors are calling for him to be banned from holding public office for ten years.<br /><br /> Mr Mas made no attempts to hide his involvement, admitting ‘the political initiative’ was his. The trial is being used by pro-independence supporters to galvanise their campaign.<br /><br /> Being barred from office would be a political hit for Mas, but he believes the case could hasten a split with Madrid. The Catalonian administration has vowed to hold another referendum later this year.<br />
