I see the Spanish authorities want to make an example of those who opposed their rule:
Quote:
Thousands of Catalans have protested against the detention of eight regional ministers sacked over Catalonia's push for independence from Spain.
The officials - who appeared in Spain's high court - are accused of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.
Prosecutors are also seeking a European Arrest Warrant for ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, who did not show up in court and is now in Belgium.
The request also covers four other ex-ministers who ignored the summons.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41854248
Just the sort of thing Putin would do.