<br /> <p>Roger Torrent was elected parliamentary speaker in Barcelona on January 17 as the new Catalan Parliament held its first session following a snap election in December.</p><p>Catalan’s parliament was dissolved by the Spanish government after the region declared independence from Spain in October following an illegal referendum on secession.</p><p>As the new parliament met, the region’s leader, Carles Puigdemont, remained in self-imposed exile in Belgium, facing arrest on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds if he returned.</p><p>Torrent can be seen speaking in this clip, and, towards the end of the video, empty seats marked with yellow ribbons can be seen, symbolizing</a> those legislators absent due to imprisonment or exile.</p><p>Activists rallied outside</a> in favor of independence from Spain, tying yellow ribbons to the rails surrounding the Parc de la Ciutadella. Credit: Parlament de Catalunya via Storyful</p><br />
