CATALAN cultural leaders, the two Jordis – Sanchez and Cuixart – have been granted 48-hour permits to leave the prison where they are serving nine-year sentences for their part in the 2017 independence referendum.

Last week they were categorised as second-degree inmates, which allows them certain privileges, including limited time out of jail, after completing a quarter of their sentences.

Both were in pre-trial detention for more than two years before they were eventually found guilty of sedition and sentenced last October.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson labelled ‘populist’ by wife of Catalan activist

The Catalan government will not reveal when they will leave Lledoners prison to protect their privacy.

Other political prisoners will also be allowed to apply for permits this year – former ministers Joaquim Forn and Josep Rull in June and October respectively.