In the rarefied world of the Supreme Court and the Catalan independence trial, everything is regulated. The legal liturgy is repeated day after day and any changes stand out sharply. And this Monday there's been a substantial change for the prisoners. They've been blocked off from the public. It was a blink-and-you-miss-it announcement, but its repercussions, from people deprived of their freedom, are striking.
Outside the courtroom, it's now impossible to reach them. The corridors are blocked off when they have to move about, windows are shut and doors covered with screens. They cannot be seen walking around the building and there cannot be anyone around, other than police and court staff, when they're doing so.
But once inside, the situation changes. The prisoners are let in before the public; they're already in their seats when the latter enter. So far, moreover, they were also the first to leave. To reach the door, they had to pass by the audience, an opportunity they took advantage of to greet any familiar faces they saw: relatives, officials, etc. Or simply to receive the support of those who had gone to watch the day's proceedings. For a few minutes, which they tried to extend as far as possible, they would exchange comments and hugs. The odd tear, but also lots of humour.
This had become part of the routine at every break and at the end of every day. Those who didn't want to talk to them simply kept backing waiting for them to leave. There was only the odd protest.
Today, however, it's all changed. "New criteria," they've been told. Now, the audience will leave the court first whilst the prisoners have to wait in their seats. It's impossible to reach them. Now, only their relatives and public officials will have the opportunity to see them for a few brief minutes in the room they wait in between sessions.
Catalan Parliament deputy Anna Tarrés (JxCaT) was one of the first to experience this new system. She didn't give in easily, choosing to raise her voice for the prisoners to hear, whilst ushers ordered her to leave. "Força, nois!" ("Strength, guys!"), she shouted.
Supreme Court sources have said it's a police decision, with no interference from the judges. According to these sources, last week a member of the public rebuked and insulted a defendant and the measure is designed "to protect them".