Spain’s nascent far-Right political party, Vox, has seized the chance to challenge Catalan separatists in the dock at a long-awaited trial into their bid to declare independence.

Vox, which shocked much of Europe with its surprise surge in local elections in southern Spain last year, will exploit a legal quirk to join prosecutors in questioning Catalan politicians on the stand accused holding the illegal 2017 referendum on independence.

Nine Catalan politicians are currently in custody facing trial for rebellion among other offences, punishable by up to 25 years. Three former Catalan government members face lesser charges and were granted bail during the investigation.

Vox’s entry into the fray…