Catalonia's leaders push for independence referendum despite ban

MADRID, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Catalan leaders reiterated their intention on Friday to hold a referendum for independence on Nov. 9, despite a ban by Spain's constitutional court.

The Spanish government announced Monday that it had asked the court to declare Catalonia's independence referendum illegal. In response to the government's request, the constitutional court ordered the referendum suspended while it reviews the legal merits.

In spite of the referendum's suspension, Catalan leader Artur Mass formed a commission on Thursday to oversee the referendum, and leaders from Catalonia's four parliamentary groups, voiced their support.

Catalonia, with 7.5 million people and its capital in Barcelona, makes up 16 percent of Spain's population. It is regarded as one of Spain's wealthiest regions, and has long held an independent mindset.

Catalans closely monitored Scotland's bid for independence last month as a precedent for holding a similar referendum in Catalonia.