Catalan parliament declares independence from Spain

In a momentous decision, Catalonia's parliament on Friday voted to declare independence from Spain and proclaim a republic, just as the Spanish government prepared to impose direct rule.

With 70 votes in favour, 10 against and two abstentions in the 135-seat chamber boycotted by opposition MPs, the motion declaring the independence was approved.

Read more: US to Pak: Act against terrorism or we will do it in a different way

But Spain's Constitutional Court had ruled the vote as illegal and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has vowed to 'restore legality' in Catalonia.