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Former speaker of the Catalan Parliament Carme Forcadell and ministers Raül Romeva and Dolors Bassa have sent poignant messages of farewell before entering prison.

Forcadell: "Conscience calm and head held high. Today they're imprisoning us physically, but they can't lock up our ideas. If you cry, hug each other, love each other and, above all, afterwards, stand up and continue more united and stronger. We'll get through this."

Romeva: "In the end today I won't be able to celebrate my daughter's birthday with her. I go to prison again with my conscience very calm and my head held high. Thank you everyone for the support."

Bassa: "Thank you everyone for the support. This account will be closed whilst I'm in prison. I will defend myself, we're not criminals. I love you all! Great thanks to all those who are always there."