1st LD: Former Catalan deputy leader denied bail

MADRID, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- A judge in the Spanish Supreme Court on Monday morning refused to grant a bail to Catalonia's former deputy leader Oriol Junqueras and three others detained for their role in the Oct. 27 independence declaration.

The ruling by Supreme Court magistrate Pablo Llarena also allowed six others detained over the matter to leave prison after paying 100,000 euros (118,700 U.S. dollars) each.

Junqueras faces charges of rebellion, sedition and the misuse of public funds, while the two leaders of two Catalan grassroots separatist groups, known as the "two Jordis," face sedition charges and have so far spent 45 days in prison.

If found guilty, Junqueras could face up to 30 years in prison and the two Jordis between 15-20 years behind bars.

Also among those denied bail was Catalan interior spokesperson Joaquim Form.

It had been expected that all 10 Catalan separatists could be allowed to leave prison after accepting the application of Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which temporarily suspends Catalan autonomy until the new regional elections scheduled for Dec. 21.

ALthough Judge Llarena acknowledged that "there was no risk of flight" for the four who were denied bail, he concluded there was a risk of a "repeat offense" causing unrepairable consequences.

Junqueras and his fellow separatists still have the right to appeal the decision, but a hearing will only be possible after the elections later this month.

Meanwhile the six who have been granted bail will have to surrender their passports and are forbidden to leave the country. Enditem