Catalans commemorate fifth anniversary of failed breakaway

Protesters hold Catalonia independence flags as they take part in a demonstration (AP)

Thousands of Catalans have gathered in Barcelona to commemorate the fifth anniversary of an independence referendum that marked the high point of their movement to break away from the rest of Spain.

The 2017 vote, which was declared unconstitutional by Spain’s top courts, was marred by clashes with police who tried, but mostly failed, to confiscate ballot boxes.