puigdemont: we are european citizens. we have the right to move freely across europe, within the european union. like other european citizens, we are here quite legitimately. to the welcome back newsroom. we have been listening to asked a catalan later carles puigdemont in brussels, a day after he fled there with five cabinet ministers. puigdemont said he hoped the dialogue with spain's central government would work, but it clearly failed. he also called his government both repressive and belligerent. on monday,left spain hours before the attorney general called for charges of rebellion and sedition to be brought against catalan leaders. toget the latest, we crossed our correspondent, who has been at that press conference. maeve, puigdemont speaking in a number of languages. clearly he wants nothing lost in translation. he called for the international community to t take on catalon's cause. reporter: absolutely. this was a direct plea to officials working right here in brussels, in the european parliament. -- he isean par

155 by two arrest carles puigdemont, for rebellionm to vote on 155 by two arrest carles puigdemont, for is possible but i think the president and the cabinet are ready. you have to go along with this when people choose you to represent them. critics, separatist, they would say this referendum is outside the law, that it this referendum is outside the law, thatitis this referendum is outside the law, that it is illegal, unconstitutional, some would criticise and condemn carles puigdemont for being an irresponsible politician, formatting people out on the streets, when you know that he is flouting and breaking spanish constitutional law. he is aware of that, but part of the independent movement is to not by the law, as we do not agree. it has happened plenty of times, when we have not been —— when women were not able to vote, when black people were in slavery. the majority, certainly, the region is split between those who want to stay part of spain and those who do not, figures vary from between 75,000 abdou warne 50,000, maybe somewhere in between, they do not speak for the whole of cata

and in the end carles puigdemont, the cata la n the end carles puigdemont, the catalan president, marchedporters almost up to the top of the hill but not quite. and then he marched them back a little bit as well. it was a crucial announcement by him. and it has left some separatists here disappointed. essentially what he said was the referendum gave him the mandate to declare independence. but then he suspended that declaration to allow some negotiation. will that please madrid? let's first listen to what mr puigdemont had to say. this was the first significant part of his speech to the parliament after several minutes condemning and criticising not only the madrid government, whom he said had tried to cause panic in the region, he was also critical of the king. translation: the government and myself propose that this parliament suspend the effect of the independence creation in order to establish dialogue, without which we cannot reach a solution. we wa nt we want to work towards putting into practice the result of the referendum. there were moments during this address when most of the c

he has called for carlos puigdemont to testify.here will be two courts dealing with those charges, depending on whether the members who were accused have legal protection or not. this act members of the government will -- in the sacked members of the government will go to the spanish high court. the speaker of the catalan parliament still has a certain degree of legal section as a member of parliament, although, as we know, the spanish government has actually dissolved that parliament and called elections for december 21. >> at this point, do we have any idea of carlos puigdemont's whereabouts? has been asking that question. i am actually outside the government parliament here. that would be where carlos puigdemont's office was to we have not seen him go into the building. there are side entrances. but no one has seen him go into the building. sources closest to the ex-president have been quoted in spanish media saying he has not actually turned up for the office. we had down earlier this morning, because he sent out a photograph o

rajoy has already labeled carles puigdemont as non-valid interlopers.er tuesday's declaration of independence, there is no unity in the camp. some members of parliament even in carles puigdemont's party have been trying to avoid unilateral declaration of independence. he is in the middle of a crossfire between knows who want quick independence versus those who think maybe carles puigdemont went too far. yeah, that is the possibility that the government collapses. even if that happens, new elections would have to be called and he would have to apply 155. brent: our correspondence in madrid and barcelona. thank you very much. here are some other stories making headlines around the world. the so-called islamic state has claimed responsibility for suicide attack in the syrian capital of damascus. three bombers killed at least two people and wounded several more. it's the second such attack on a damascus police station in recent weeks. u.s. bombers have thrown -- flown over the korean peninsula in a show of force after months of escalating tensions. the u.s.

what they will say is that what carles puigdemont is attempting to do, call ita puigdemont is attemptinghat was ruled illegal, hold a referendum that was ruled illegal, use the basis of that referendum which did not even have a majority of people in catalonia boating because turnout was only just over 40%, use that as a way to try to force some negotiations and all along the spanish government has said it will not have, it will not sit and talk with the government, original government that is acting illegally and placing itself beyond the law. they have several possible steps to take, i think it has been made —— made a bit more difficult for the government in spain because he has not gone as far as actually making a declaration. 0ne he has not gone as far as actually making a declaration. one step if they can go to to court to seek to annul the declaration, he has not done that so that route looks like it might be close. another route to bring legal sanctions against carles puigdemont himself. again more tricky, the third route, difficult decision for the spanish government, do they invo

from carles puigdemont as blackmail to the state.from carles puigdemont as blackmail to the state. i would describe what abc say from the outset. the problem is there has been no communication whatsoever between catalan and spanish authorities and the problem is also no sharing of information between citizens and here the view of the catalans and of the rest of the spanish is diverging further and further. and becoming very dangerous. if they were to detain ca rles dangerous. if they were to detain carles puigdemont this would only make the situation more extreme. there were some declaration yesterday from a spokesperson from the popular party almost claiming that carles puigdemont had to be in prison and perhaps killed as the previous president was saying. tense days ahead, thank you very much for coming in. it has been less than two months since steve bannon left the white house but if anyone thought he would go quietly think again! the president's former chief strategist is declaring war on the republican establishment and if he t

the spanish police is ready to arrest carles puigdemont, if he declares independence. what are you seeing on the ground? >> on the ground, a show of force by the catalonia filets. -- police. of theme is who is in charge catalonia? seeing 100 of police officer's from catalonia. we have not seen a single spanish national police officer. a story we broke, two sources are telling us that if it were necessary, a special spanish police unit ready to enter the catalonia parliament and arrest him if it is necessary. vonnie: it seems like such a strong reaction, if it happens. nobody wants it. if it were to happen, would there be retaliation on the catalonia side? >> it could well be. what mark -- rajoy says in parliament, it will suspend catalonia's autonomy. i have been in barcelona for two weeks and there is frustration. to get rid of carles puigdemont overnight and think it will go away, is not a reflection of reality. the catalonia people have been promised for over a week that this will be our day and one for the books. carles puigdemont coalition, already weak, could imp

ball backthrown the into carles puigdemont's court. donald tusk, the european council president, was very clear on tuesday in saying that was out of the question, that this was an internal affair in spain. it is up to carles puigdemont to make the next step. mariano rajoy has thrown the ball back. rochelle: in the meantime, how catalonia's regional parliament reacting to all of this? claire: we have seen several reactions on the right and on the center, with the liberal party as well as the people's party. the catalonian versions of those 'srties -- we have seen two mp saying they want mariano rajoy to invoke article 100 55, which would allow him to impose direct rules on catalonia, dissolve the regional parliament, impose fresh elections. they say it is time for a shakeup. new elections are needed in the region. on the opposite side, the far left, which is a member of that party, that coalition in the m -- catalan regional parliament has said we are giving punched pushed them giving puigdemont 30 days. it is worth seeing mother divisi

my in brussels with carles puigdemont.which he denied, but then he went on to say that he was there for his safety and the safety of the region. there is a lot of anger amongst his hard—line supporters about what he's done. just to clarify, yesterday he said he would stay and carry on as normal, but in fa ct stay and carry on as normal, but in fact what he did was, and with five other colleagues, take a flight to brussels. he held talks with lawyers there, including a prominent lawyer who defended alleged members of a basque separatist group in the 1990s to fight their extradition to spain. it was a terrorist group which killed 800 people. and carles puigdemont saying he did not know when he would come back. but he had to stay there until the spanish government gave him guarantees. he is there with five colleagues in belgium, the heart of europe, to push the political case. he has left his vice president and other members of the catalan parliament, including the president of the parliament, here. we are now hearing that, a

solo snap election from carlos puigdemont, which makes direct rule more likely. he didn't say how he responded that happens, he just said he didn't say how he responded that happens, hejust said it he didn't say how he responded that happens, he just said it was a matter for the regional parliament. i will surely these pictures from barcelona earlier, because of mr puigdemont is under pressure from madrid, is also under pressure at home too. he's a independence campaigners who did not want a snap election because they would see doing so as dancing to madrid's tune. out there, i spoke to the bbc‘stimbo cox, who is in barcelona. here he is on the tactics mr pidgeon wa nt here he is on the tactics mr pidgeon want is pursuing. to make it as bring the ship, but it has been an extraordinary day, so many days over the last three weeks, of febrile rumours, attempted political brinkmanship, chaos and then anger. i think a lot of his supporters felt that by calling for snap elections, which they thought puigdemont was going to do, he would get some sort of climbdown from m

puigdemont in the catalan parliament it was a climb down. yes, he did say the country or the region wants to go for independence, first he wants to go back to madrid and start talks. whether that will materialize is the big question the reaction in the market is mixed. we are not seeing a huge rally on the stoxx 600 yes, we're seeing a rally on the ibex 35, but it's not transpiring into a much bigger risk on rally in the rest of europe we're down when it comes to the ftse 100 the cac 40 lower to a quarter. once again want to draw your attention to the ibex 35. it's up close to session highs, up by 1.25%. this is after catalonia's leader carles puigdemont stopped short of declaring independence from spain. in a speech to the regional parliament he said he was suspending the results of a referendum to allow time for talks with the spanish government let's have a look at some banking stocks in spain which were heavily beaten down over the past couple of weeks some have bounced back banco sabadell is up 2% this is one of the banks that had said

puigdemont decides to do later today. back to you. >> thank you very much for that. appreciate your perspective coming out of luxembourg i want to broaden this discussion with christian shultz, economist from citi. the key question is will puigdemont declare independence unilaterally later today or not? what do you think he'll do >> i wish i knew that information. i think there's a range of options from declaration of independence as they promised in the pre-referendum law, it could ab more symbolic move towards independence, which would open the way for talks with spain or it could be even merely that the calling of new elections which will happen any way. for the catalans this referendum has lots of tricky issues. i think it's quite useful for them to call new elections to capitalize on that sympathy that they may have gained over that weekend of violence. if they do declare independence, and spain -- madrid moves in, madrid may declare new elections as well. i think new elections in catalonia in the regional parliament are likely. they may produce changes within t

puigdemont.e did not carles puigdemont did , not give the announcement people were expecting today, so how do people in catalonia feel now? charlotte: i think it is fair to say that both of those who were in favor of independence and those that were against it actually have something in common today, both are walking away from the developments today feeling probably slightly disappointed. pro-independence supporters had really expected carles puigdemont to declare independence today. there were thousands of people on the streets in the square behind me saying they wanted that. the mood was really bitter among the people who were standing behind me. some were even chanting "traitor" referring to carles puigdemont. real anger. on the other side, those against independence may have been hoping he would call regional elections today, the hope being it would de-escalate what is becoming an increasingly tense situation here. brent: an increasingly tense situation and it leads us then to tomorrow and th

carles puigdemont, the deposed catalan leader, faces charges of rebellion.st. translation: key is in belgium, i think, arrest. translation: key is in belgium, ithink, to arrest. translation: key is in belgium, i think, to step away a bit and let things calm down. he didn't give me much more explanation. i am not his political assistant but his justice system. speculation is growing that carles puigdemont is preparing to seek asylum in belgium, now potentially a fugitive from spanishjustice. in now potentially a fugitive from spanish justice. in catalonia, now potentially a fugitive from spanishjustice. in catalonia, he won the hearts of these supporters by declaring independence on friday. but he has let others like these pro— unity campaigners furious. but he has let others like these pro- unity campaigners furious. this happening here at is like carles puigdemont is a dictator, that's it. i lost a lot of friends. we talk about politics, it isjust impossible to talk about. this stand—off is escalating, the prosecutor in madrid yesterday announcing serious c

sacked catalan president carles puigdemont has gone to belgium, amid reports he may claim asylum as spainders charging him with rebellion. hundreds of refugees refuse to leave an australian—run detention centre that's set to close this morning because of fears for their safety. and our top business story — is it too little too late for the city of london? the bank of england warns as many as 75,000 jobs could be lost as a result of brexit. shortly i'll bejoined by inga beale, the boss of one of the world's most important insurance groups, lloyds of london. a warm welcome to the programme — briefing you on all you need to know in global news, business and sport. also to come — facebook, twitter and google will face tough questions from congress about russian meddling in us election, so we're asking do you trust social media as a source of news? tell us what you think — just use the hashtag #bbcthebriefing. the white house insists that criminal charges brought against former aides to president trump show no evidence of collusion between his election campaign and russia. mr trump's former ad

carles puigdemont, the deposed catalan leader, faces charges of rebellion.before facing arrest. translation: he is in belgium, i think, to step away a bit and let things calm down. he didn't give me much more explanation. i'm not his political assistant, but his justice assistant. and speculation is growing that mr puigdemont is preparing to seek asylum in belgium, he's now potentially a fugitive from spanishjustice. in catalonia, he won the hearts of these supporters by declaring independence on friday. but he has left others, like these pro—unity campaigners, furious. this happening is like puigdemont is a dictator, that's it. i lost a lot of friends. like, we talk about politics, it's just impossible to talk about. and this stand—off is escalating. the prosecutor in madrid yesterday announced serious charges against catalan leaders, carrying a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. translation: in order to uphold the law, this office has five charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of funds against the main catalan leaders. and the reaction to that fro

the mayor of girona is a good friend of carles puigdemont. and other independence supporters, he remains the catalan president, whatever spain says. is he worried about going to jail? translation: of course president puigdemont is worried about being arrested. the spanish government has already jailed two independence activists, so he is concerned, but never afraid. l454: ‘1% sea—94w i think the catalan republic exists, so if most people of catalonia believe in catalan republic, wait and see, and the people will recognise that. but how can an independent catalonia work, i wondered, when spain is backed politically by the eu, and when the spanish government says it has seized direct control of catalonia? translation: we can't accept what spain says, that it has sacked the catalan government, the one we voted for. we have now declared our independence. what spain says is no longer relevant. ecstatic scenes in girona tonight after the local football club beat legends, real madrid. the game had been labelled david against goliath. independence su

mr puigdemont has called o, his supporters to show "democratic defiance". the bbc‘s james reynolds has this report from barcelona. catalonia's pro—spain movement is emerging from its recent quiet. these are the people who want to stay inside spain. they make up around half of the population of this region, and they insist that they are both catalan and spanish. and you are catalan? i am catalan from my grandparents, my parents are catalan, and i am catalan and spanish and european. so you don't want to leave? i don't want to leave at all. "catalonia is spain", these kids write. catalans are divided at this moment. this is very sad. can you get back together? yes, i would like it very much. because i love catalonia, i love spain, and i love europe. i want to be in europe. for years, these people have felt overshadowed and overridden by pro—independence campaigners. they now see this as their chance to change the balance of power in catalonia. this crowd celebrates the government's sacking of catalonia's pro—independence authorities. for the first time in fou

catalonia's deposed leader, carles puigdemont, has urged democratic opposition to madrid's direct rule, a day after the region's parliament declared independence. it comes as thousands take part in rallies in spain's capital madrid in favour of unity with catalonia. the environment secretary michael gove apologises ‘unreservedly‘ for an on—airjoke about disgraced movie mogul, harvey weinstein. ‘warped and degrading' — jeremy corbyn says a culture which tolerates the abuse of women is thriving in westminster. the humanitarian crisis affecting almost 400,000 syrians in an eastern suburb of damascus — is described as an ‘outrage‘, by the united nations. also in the next hour, the zip—wiring and clubbing glasgow pensioners. the new scheme aiming to tackle loneliness and improve health among older people. england's teenagers are hoping to become the world champions against spain. they currently trail 2—0. coming up in the dateline london, after a full extremely few days in spain, what's next for catalonia? that is at liz30pm. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. the spanish government ha

i havejust heard that carles puigdemont requested this delay for one hour.s announce some form of independence, what happens next? they are all talking about this article 155, talk is through that and how madrid might react? of course we don't know yet what will happen and what will happen next. but if we have to guess, the legal and official reply and reaction to a unilateral declaration of independence will lead to abide the law and reinforce the law in many ways. which would mean what? that could be the best way to just cancel any decision taken today. and if, as it's probably will happen, they will deny this reinforcement of law. probably police reinforcement, and i don't think it will be too strong, but probably some kind of retaliation. the local police, the cata la n retaliation. the local police, the catalan police, would they be sent home or would theyjust be under the orders of the national police? they would be put under the orders of central or national or state police. and madrid would impose direct rule over this area? so the regional governmen

carles puigdemont promised to work to build a free country.ament after it declared independence. in madrid today several thousand peoplejoined a rally, calling for unity in spain. 0ur correspondentjames reynolds is in barcelona. for the first time in four decades, catalonia he is being ruled directly from madrid. but the deposed catalan leader refuses to set down and that leaves catala ns leader refuses to set down and that leaves catalans here living in a strange, half world. this is the first full day of direct rule from madrid and nobody knows what to make of it. catalan organisations have told people to carry on as normal. it is hard to tell anything has changed one way or another. local catalan police officers still goblets, the catalan political headquarters. and separatist leaders who have technically been sacked by madrid, are now trying to work out their next move. the catalan leader, carlos puigdemont featured on today's front pages, refuses to accept he has been fired. translation: we do not deviate, we continue persevering in the o

that carles puigdemont was going to take them to independence.country. he is not going to come back until he gets some commitments from madrid, which i don't think he will get, and some of his supporters say this has put the cause for independence back many years, although carles puigdemont said he will take part in elections called for in december. something which had he announced himself would have prevented according to spain the entire implementation of direct rule. thank you very much. i'm joined now in the studio by spokesperson for the catalan national assembly in england carles suarez. do you feel betrayed? not let's not forget that the last time that the spanish state put into jail a catalan president he was assassinated. but that is not going to happen now. he has been asked a 30 year sentence for organising a referendum. aren't revolutionaries supposed to stand and fight. these leader. but it is a democratic revolution. these revolutions are winnable in polls. that is what we did and we are going to do again in december. what about the

puigdemont? >> yes, so we have had that confirmation from his now lawyer to say that he is indeed in brussels. now that is a stunning turn of events for people here. there was a long part of the day where we actually didn't know where exactly he was. people were expecting him to walk into the building just behind me, the regional government office and to go to work. don't forget, this is the man who on friday declared independence here. on saturday in a statement, he emphasized that he was going to push ahead with that independence and he believed he was still the man in charge. now we don't know exactly what he is doing in brussels. that's not yet been confirmed. there have been some claims that he is possibly seeking asylum but we don't know that. all we do know is he is facing some extremely serious charges here in barcelona. one is being rebellion which carries up to 30 years in prison and at some point, authorities here are going to expect him to answer to that. >> yeah, it's amazing what a

puigdemont to move away from declaration?gional elections in catalonia >> regional elections, why that wouldn't be a solution. we already had elections two years ago. these elections were already about independence >> but it might be a way of buying more time for dialogue, don't you think? >> even more time? we already said that we're ready for dialogue, but of course we've seen, you know, limits >> i think the reason that members say this might be an option because it may be different actors to the forefront, if it wasn't someone like mr. puigdemont, somebody madrid feels more comfortable with negotiations. >> they have said they reject dialogue they don't want to have conversations over the results of the referendum last october 1st. they don't want to talk about the possibility of implementing our right to decide. so the ones for dialogue are the referendum parties, not madrid. we asked many times for this dialogue the response is 155. we have political prisoners now in madrid. catalan grassroots movement leaders are in ja

carles puigdemont has pulled back yet again.snap election in december if madrid agree to suspend its plan to take back control of the region. the spanish government has appeared to renege on that. therefore carles puigdemont has decided against the election. this is what he has to say... translation: i was prepared to call these elections on the sole condition we were given guarantees they would be held in an absolutely normal manner. but there are no such guarantees that would justify calling these regional elections today. they are still speaking in the cata la n they are still speaking in the catalan parliament in barcelona. i think we can show you those pictures. you wait to see carles puigdemont. but he is in the audience. they are talking one by one at the rostrum. 0ur correspondent is in barcelona... what's the outcome of today's indecision? he was going to call this election. then he didn't. his coalition partners starting to drift away from him? they are. it has been away from him? they are. it has been a day of rumours

puigdemont this is bbc news.n a case against him on charges of rebellion their relationship has come under scrutiny. biff been in many conferences when sir mo got angry. he has never failed conferences when sir mo got angry. he has neverfailed a drugs conferences when sir mo got angry. he has never failed a drugs test. and his coach always denied all allegations of wrongdoing, but it forced mo farah into a corner. they have split. today an important meeting at westminster. this time casting their attentions towards para sport hearing from key figures from para sport and paying attention to the classification with many claiming that the system is open to abuse and athletes cheated their way to medals by exaggerating their impairments and disabilities to get themselves put into weaker fields whatever their sport or discipline is. baroness tanni grey—thompson was just one of those facing mps. mps today. and we should have an open discussion about misclassification. where we are now in the paralympic movement, it is

fascinating speech from carles puigdemont. but it is a fudge?at is something i'm not the only one to have expected. i thought it was going to happen. one obvious reason why it is going to be difficult to declare independence is obviously the draining away of headquarters of businesses and banks. but another reason to try and insist on the importance of the vote on the 1st of october and the need to go towards independence is that the partner in the parliament on which the government depends, the government coalition depends as has been mentioned in that report, they are very impatient already long before this speech took place. what they wa nt this speech took place. what they want was actually an immediate vote the day after the 1st of october referendum, an immediate declaration of independence. and with this fudge it is quite possible they will withdraw support. i suspect, i it is quite possible they will withdraw support. isuspect, i may be wrong but i suspect that this long delay was part of the effort to try to keep the month award. whethe

but a flash point could come tomorrow, if carles puigdemont tries to return to his old position.re reports he could face charges linked to sedition and rebellion against the state. asi as i was walking through the crowd i off duty as i was walking through the crowd i met off duty regional police officers who said they did not want to be identified but were concerned. they were pro—unity and said many collea g u es they were pro—unity and said many colleagues felt the other way and it is causing divisions within the force. this is the wider question. while we have carles puigdemont potentially returning to work tomorrow, what about others who are returning to work, told they are controlled by spain. let's speak now to michael reid, senior spain editor at the economist. where do you think this goes now?|j think where do you think this goes now?” think everybody will be watching tomorrow as your reporter said. the government has taken over catalonia, direct rule, for only 55 days. it is easierfor the regional direct rule, for only 55 days. it is easier for the regional police, direc

carles puigdemont there.stated puerto rico, the us territory is still struggling to provide basic services like electricity and running water. 3a people were killed by the storm, and some estimates have put the clean—up bill as high a $95 billion. speaking on thursday, president trump gave his administration ten out of ten for its handling of the disaster. but there was strong criticism of the response from the very start, and some of the strongest came from carmen yulin cruz, the mayor of the island's capital. she has been speaking to the bbc‘s yalda hakim. in one of his tweets, president trump said that puerto rico is more or less broken. it has broken infrastructure, it is in trouble, it has debt. none of those things are factually incorrect? no, they're not. tell us something we didn't know, right? what is incorrect is for a president that is supposed to be the commander—in—chief to become the hater—in—chief, and to become the person thatjust tweets away his hate. that's what is incorrect. do you think it

the government in madrid says it would be happy if puigdemont would take pa rt be happy if puigdemont would take part in new elections to two explosions in the capital of somalia kill people. and in neighbouring kenya we report on attempts to ease tensions after the bitter election. hello and welcome to bbc world news. the crisis over catalonia continues. the crisis over catalonia continues. the spanish government has stripped the authorities of their powers and taken charge of the government. the crackdown began after the region declared independence on friday. the deputy prime minister says she has taken overfrom deputy prime minister says she has ta ken over from the deputy prime minister says she has taken over from the former catalan president, puigdemont who was sacked on friday. the central government says new elections will be held on december and mr puigdemont will be able to take part. in a speech earlier, the separatist leader calls for direct democratic opposition. this is the first full day of direct rule from madrid. and no one's yet sure quite what to make of it. catala

mr puigdemont obviously saying that he wants to encourage democratic opposition.g civil disobedience. is there fear then that the regional police will resist governance from madrid? well, i think there is a very strong hope that they will not and certainly the message that we've had so certainly the message that we've had so far all the reports we are getting so far is that the regional police in catalonia are being urged to follow orders. those orders of course would, from madrid or certainly madrid appointees. it is a big questions are whether that would be the case and whether in specific incidents, if they were to arise, howell the police would respond in everyone, of course, remembers what happened during the referendum itself. i do not think the government you want to see a repetition of those scenes but when i asked this party spokesman what might happen, he was very found that the whole point is enforcing the law. he said there will not be acts of aggression as far as the spanish police are concerned, but they would respond to any provocations from within

president puigdemont, your answer to madrid?to explain his position. they recently celebrated spain's national day. most of the people in spain want to be together. this part of spain cannot create this sort of issue that we are seeing today. here in catalonia, opinion is divided. many still displayed their desire for independence. and all wait to hear their leader's reply. this week, the chinese communist party holds its five—yearly congress at the great hall of the people in beijing. the climax will be the revealing of the new leadership team behind president xijinping. at a time like this, the authorities believe they must do everything in their power to stamp out anything potentially embarrassing for the government. so the censors are in full swing, as our beijing correspondent stephen mcdonell has been finding out. in order to land the 2008 beijing olympics, china made some promises in terms of opening up and freedom of expression. at the time, it seemed like things were getting better and better in that regard. but as we g

but it's deposed leader, carles puigdemont, says he isn't going anywhere.ranslation: we do not deviate, we continue persevering in the only way that can make us winners — without violence, without insults, in an inclusive way. but in madrid, thousands of people turned out on saturday calling for national unity. why they want to break up spain? it's affecting the whole of spain and the whole of europe. the spanish government has announced new elections in catalonia and they warn that mr puigdemont may face prosecution for charges of rebellion, but nevertheless said it would welcome his participation in those elections. he has no powers, no competences, no financial means so i insist that if he wants to continue in politics, which is his right, i think he should prepare the next elections to be held, as i mentioned before, on the 21st of december. and so the two sides remain poles apart. later today there will be another rally in barcelona held by those opposed to catalonia's independence. sarah corker, bbc news. we will be talking to our correspondent in bar

carles puigdemont is convinced that he can set upa puigdemont is convinced that he can set up a successfularate country. is that, in your view, doable, given that we have already seen doable, given that we have already seen a doable, given that we have already seen a number of businesses, at least ten or so, including two banks, relocate away from barcelona, fea rful of banks, relocate away from barcelona, fearful of what will happen if this comes to pass. we have had germany and france saying they certainly won't recognise an independent country here. what is going to happen with regards to actually setting one up? well, there are two things here. first, the european union is not as unanimous as it may seem. union is not as unanimous as it may seem. the big countries, france, italy and germany, tend to side with the spanish government. 0ther smaller countries, belgium, slovenia, denmark, maybe other countries outside the european union, israel, are suggesting that they will probably side with the cata la n they will probably side with the catalan seceded or declared state. so that is one

charles puigdemont would get suspended. the key here is the kind of resistance we get from the catalan government. if charles puigdemont decides to lock himself in the parliament you would see how madrid would react. for him that could be an option for sure. --iano rajoy is it possible he said he will affect independence if article 155 is triggered. kind of aus at stalemate. is it possible, are you saying that there is another option for rajoy that he could arrest and remove charles puigdemont without triggering article 155? maria: there are multiple options on the table. none of these leaders, roy is talking about the article. rajoy sittinge back. and separately let's remember this is the key, there is time for charles puigdemont to call a regional election. if it is framed as a regional election [inaudible] madrid will have to take the ,pper hand and declare at least they need to say this is what we are going to do but the situation cannot continue, it has been going on for weeks now. at what time today's does rajoy leife

but a flash point could come tomorrow, if carles puigdemont tries to return to his old position. are reports he could face charges linked to sedition and rebellion against the state. and we can now cross to gavin who is live in barcelona for us. it is an intriguing prospect. if he turns up and tries to enter the building presumably he would be turned away or could be escorted away, which might not look good on camera after the confrontation we saw on the day of the referendum. yes we are creeping towards it. tomorrow morning, is it business as usual? the language we are hearing from those around carles puigdemont is he is the leader, this is a coup d'etat by the state and they will carry on as normal. we have heard little from him over the weekend. expect a speech when he said little from him over the weekend. expect a speeci hometown aid little from him over the weekend. expect a speeci hometown that yesterday in his hometown that people should democratically resist yesterday in his hometown that peo attempt d democratically resist yesterday in his hometown that peo attempt to i

as we talked about before, it's all about semantics now what about puigdemont say yesterday >> puigdemont has not really spoken other than one tv interview yesterday morning before the speech. he's staying quiet his spokesperson came out and said any use of article 155 would force the catalan government to declare that independence that they suspended a couple days ago. we had a clahance to sit down wh one of the most important catalan participants in the government, and we asked whether he thought rajoy was serious about triggering article 155 >> rajoy's speech yesterday highlighted that puigdemont needs to clarify whether or not he declared independence so rajoy can make a decision on whether or not to activate article 155. this now puts the ball back in puigdemont's side of the court i think this becomes very surreal to us politicians. it's obvious puigdemont did not declare independence he suspended it until there's been talks now would be a very effective time to start dialogue what worries me the most is the behavior of the socialists, they have not made it about talking they made i

spain's chief prosecutor accused carles puigdemont of rebellion and sedition puigdemont has traveledo be belgium and hired a lawyer fueling speculation that he will seek asylum there. the attorney did not comment on whether he's work on an asylum claim in belgium he crossed the pironese, got a plane to brussels, where do we go from here >> are all indications that he's in belgium one man who can talk to us about this is the international director of the governing body here the first question i want to ask is about puigdemont's whereabouts. do you have confirmation he's in belgium? >> we don't have confirmation he's in belgium, but apparently he's in belgium. he contacted one dutch lawyer, and apparently he's there. he flees while asking all the rest of the people to stay back in catalonia >> you represent the governing party here, the pp, would the pp and would the government in spain be upset if the belgium government was to grant him asylum >> no. the whole process has been a post-truth process they consider the law an item. but the law is the law to consider asylum you have to ful

mr puigdemont promised to work to build a free country.prime minister dissolved the catalan parliament after it declared independence. in madrid today several thousand people held a rally, waving spanish flags and calling for national unity. 0ur correspondent james reynolds reports from barcelona. this is the first full day of direct rule from madrid. and no one's yet sure quite what to make of it. catalan organisations have told people here to carry on as normal. right here, it's hard to tell that anything has changed one way or another. local catalan police officers still guard this, the catalan political headquarters. and separatist leaders, who have technically been sacked by madrid, are now trying to work out their next move. carles puigdemont, the catalan leader, featured on today's front pages, refuses to accept that he has been fired. translation: we do not deviate. we continue persevering in the only way that can make us winners. without violence, without insults, in an inclusive way, respecting people, symbols and opinions. many

carles puigdemont is under pressure from all sides.adrid wants him to say that he has not. on this, in his last major appearance on the eve of madrid's deadline, the catalan leader refused to pick a side. translation: i want to reiterate that the government eyelid will make its decision based on commitment to peace, fortitude and democracy. even on the way out he made sure to give nothing away. president, your answer to madrid? spanish citizens in madrid are among many who want him to explain his position. they recently celebrated spain's national day. most of the people in spain wa nt to day. most of the people in spain want to be together. is part of spain cannot create this sort of issue that we are seeing today. here in catalonia, opinion is divided. many still displayed their desire for independence. and all wait to hear their leader's reply. this week the chinese communist party holds its five—yearly congress at the great hall of the people in beijing. the climax will be the revealing of the new leadership team behind president x

, carles puigdemont, relying oi in q and president, carles puigdemont, relying oi inard pushing éfiaséféiflérget it, — w h ,.,, .. ,, one. you that me. you that referendum was outside the law that referendumjuas illegal and if you declare independence, we will act on article five 55. there has been no violence in terms of pro— separatist movement. we have seen instead the heavy—handed way the national police with riot police going in, pulling people by their hair saying you cannot vote. despite that, go of of leaving aejéq 1:5 fiaemf ii? risen? z'x—fr voter

the president of catalonia is mr carles puigdemont elected by people.s government was elected by people and you say he acted without a judge but thejudges have people and you say he acted without a judge but the judges have said the independence declaration was illegal and any independence was illegal, so he acted with authority from the courts. it can be illegal but nobody said he could sack the officials leading catalonia. you think they should work as normal tomorrow?m course, of course. naturally. the prime minister can do what he likes this will be a democratic in spain. this will be a democratic disaster for all of in spain. this will be a democratic disasterfor all of us. we have in spain. this will be a democratic disaster for all of us. we have to follow. the rules. if we look in the spanish constitution, you will not see a single word on that. the central government will tell regional government to do this or that. in no case the central government canjust that. in no case the central government can just sack people in the regional government

she won't tell us where puigdemont is.ed some form of political asylum. just when you thought things couldn't get any weirder, imagine the implications of this — one european country, with its own separatist issues, stepping in to save another european leaderfrom jail by his own central government. deep breaths needed. mr puigdemont won the heart of separatists when he declared catalonia a state last friday. mass demonstrations by unionists over the weekend are a timely reminder he's left many others furious. what's happening here is like puigdemont is a dictator, that's it. catalonia we were living fine, so why it's happening that now? i don't really know why people need to make this to catalonia. i lost a lot of friends, like we talk about politics, it's impossible to talk about because they turn aggressive and don't respect the other's opinion. perhaps it's only when the streets fall silent again you realise the noise on either side comes from a pretty small minority. most people, even those proud to call themselves bor