Spain Catalonia: Four separatist politicians to stay in jail
Two senior figures in the sacked Catalan separatist government must stay in jail but six others can go free, a Spanish judge has ruled.
The six set to leave Spanish jails must post bail of €100,000 (£88,000; $120,000) each. Two top activists must also remain in jail.
The eight ex-politicians were remanded in custody last month. Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont has fled to Belgium.
Spain feared the others could flee too.
The judge in Madrid ruled that Mr Puigdemont's deputy Oriol Junqueras and Catalan ex-Interior Minister Joaquim Forn must stay in jail, along with grassroots separatist leaders Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart.
The eight politicians are accused of rebellion and sedition over the region's illegal declaration of independence.
After an attempt by Catalan separatists to declare independence in October, Spain imposed direct rule on the region and called early regional elections for 21 December.
- Catalonia's quarrel with Spain
- Catalan politicians struggle with Spanish prison regime
- What next for Spain?
- Would Catalonia be a viable country?
Rebellion is considered one of the most serious crimes in Spain, carrying a jail term of up to 30 years.
The ministers have been in prison since 2 November. Those freed on bail are:
- Former foreign policy chief Raül Romeva
- Former Justice Minister Carles Mundó
- Former Labour Minister Dolors Bassa
- Former Government Presidency Councillor Jordi Turull
- Former Sustainable Development Minister Josep Rull
- Former Culture Minister Meritxell Borras
