Protests took place in Madrid today (February 12) as twelve Catalan leaders go on trial for their role in Catalonia’s failed independence bid.

Footage shows pro-independence demonstrators showing their support to the Catalan leaders outside the Supreme Court in the capital.

At the same time, anti-independence protesters gathered nearby the Spanish court. In the clip, a crowd of protesters can be seen shouting: ''Don’t fool us, Catalonia is Spain’’.

The trial takes place more than a year after the Catalan leaders declared the independence of the region, following a referendum banned by the Spanish constitution.

Nine of the defendants have spent months in pre-trial detention whilst three others were released on bail. They all are facing charges including rebellion and sedition that could mean up to 25 years in prison.

The trial has been described as the most important since Spain’s return to democracy following the fascist dictatorship of Francisco Franco.

Pro-independence Catalan leaders and supporters gathered near Supreme Court in Madrid to protests as trial begins against the 12 pro-independence leaders for the so-called ‘procés’ in Catalonia. Far right groups have also protested near court demanding Spanish unity and against Catalan separatists.