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A group of members of the European Parliament has attended this Thursday's hearing of the Catalan independence trial, which they have described as "unacceptable" and a "political trial".

The MEPs said it isn't a purely internal matter for Spain. They believe it has a clear European dimension as it clashes with fundamental EU values like democracy, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and the right to participation in political life. As such, they ask Europe to "open its eyes" as it's still not "too late" and to put itself on the "right side of history".

Mark Demesmaeker (ECR), who represents the Dutch-speaking constituency in Belgium, said it was a "very hard and difficult morning" because two of his former colleagues from the European Parliament are now imprisoned and were sitting in the dock. "We shouldn't be here because this trial should never have happened," he said.

Call to European leaders

Demesmaeker called on European leaders and the Commission, saying he believes "it's not too late to realise what's happening here and it's not too late to open your eyes". "Sooner or later, by ignoring this, we'll realise that we're on the wrong side of history and it's better to be on the right side of history," he said.

Finally, he said that the accused aren't defending themselves: "They're defending me, you and all the citizens of the European Union". He called for their release: "they shouldn't be in prison still".

For his part, José Bové, a French MEP for Greens/EFA, said that the trial is "unacceptable" and that the right to vote to express ideas must be respected. He agreed with Demesmaeker that it's a "political" trial, adding that they will continue fighting for the prisoners' release.

Translation: Today, I'm an observer of the trial of the Catalan political prisoners. And I'm attending a political trial which is about our basic rights, of our rights to democracy. It concerns all Europeans. #DemocracyOnTrial #ReleasePoliticalPrisoners

"Civilised outside, but not inside"

Another of the attendees was Marie-Pierre Vieu (GUE/NGL), who wanted to make it clear she isn't an independence supporter. She said she was a communist, but also a democrat. Vieu warned that the current trial in Madrid could create precedent for the entirety of Europe and that "we cannot construct a democratic Europe with political prisoners".

Finally, Magni Arge, MP in the Danish Parliament for the Faroe Islands, said he's not leaving with a "good impression" of what's happening. "It all seems very civilised outside, but not inside". He expressed regret that he saw political colleagues sitting on trial accused of rebellion and sedition and that he doesn't understand why they're in prison. "That's not how we understand democracy," he said.