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Spanish court says ex-Catalan vice president to stay in jail

MADRID (AP) - Supreme Court judges have ruled against allowing ousted Catalan Vice President Oriol Junqueras out of jail while he is investigated for rebellion and other charges stemming from the restive region's recent drive for independence from Spain.

In the decision Friday, the judges said there was a risk that Junqueras might again commit crimes as there was no sign he intended changing his ways.

The pro-secession Junqueras was one of several members of the sacked regional cabinet jailed on provisional charges following a declaration of independence Oct. 1. Other members, including ex-Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, are fugitives in Brussels.

Junqueras had hoped to be released to take full part in Catalonia*s new parliament following elections imposed by Spain in which secessionist parties won the most seats.

Demonstrators holding banners reading in Catalan "Freedom for the political prisoners. We are republic" during a protest in support of the politicians imprisoned in front of the city hall of in Sant Vicenc dels Horts, Spain, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. Former Catalan Vice President Oriol Junqueras vowed Thursday to abide by Spanish laws as he sought bail following his jailing during the restive region's recent drive for independence from Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) The Associated Press
Demonstrators holding banners reading in Catalan "Freedom for the political prisoners. We are republic" during a protest in support of the politicians imprisoned in front of the city hall in Sant Vicenc dels Horts, Spain, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. Former Catalan Vice President Oriol Junqueras vowed Thursday to abide by Spanish laws as he sought bail following his jailing during the restive region's recent drive for independence from Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) The Associated Press
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