STUDENTS have demonstrated in solidarity with Catalan politician Clara Ponsati who is facing jail, Conrad Landin writes.

Ms Ponsati was Catalonia’s education minister until its devolved administration was dismissed by the Spanish government last year over its independence bid.

She then returned to a teaching post at St Andrews University before handing herself in to Scottish police last week after Madrid reissued a warrant for her arrest.

Outside the St Andrews students’ union building on Monday night, students, lecturers and local residents braved bitter cold to join a demonstration calling for Ms Ponsati’s acquittal.

She has been charged with rebellion and misappropriation of public funds over last year’s Catalan independence referendum.

But a Scottish court must determine whether she would be found guilty of equivalent offences in Scotland before she can be extradited.

She has been freed on bail after surrendering her passport.

A crowdfunding campaign for her legal costs has raised £230,000 so far.