IN one of the peculiarities of Spain’s penal system – particularly how it affects their political prisoners – jailed pro-Catalan independence figures have been campaigning ahead of tomorrow’s election.

They are classed as third degree, or low-risk inmates, although the authorities have previously revoked that privilege. As such they only have to sleep in jail for four nights a week and can generally go about their business during the day.

For one of the most recognisable faces in Catalan politics, the president of the pro-indy Esquerra Republicana (ERC), Oriol Junqueras, this has involved campaign rallies as they urge voters to retain an independence-seeking majority in the Barcelona parliament.

His reception at a party rally in Vilanova was not unlike that of a rock star, and Junqueras had to take two encores from the platform. Earlier in Girona, in an emotional and sometimes angry speech, he introduced “Campaign Committee B”, a group of fellow inmates at Lledoners prison, one of whom advised that he should punch himself while at the lectern and claim his incarceration deserved to be rewarded by people voting for ERC.

Junqueras did not go as far as self-flagellation, instead urging the crowd: “Don’t leave us alone. Beyond pandemic-induced displeasure and sadness, you know no-one is as committed to social justice and the republic as we are.”

He said they should choose the “honest and honourable” people, adding: “If you voted for the only party that has not had any cases of corruption, ERC would sweep in and this country would be a free country and a just country.”