Spain orders police to arrest Catalonian president (Photo)

State Attorney General José Manuel Maza confirmed on Saturday that a complaint is being filed for rebellion against Catalonia President Carla Puigdemont and other leaders, the Periscope broadcast, reports “Mail”.

The Spanish government moved to activate an untapped constitutional provision Saturday so it can take control of Catalonia, illustrating its determination to disrupt the movement of independence led by separatist politicians in the prosperous industrial region.

The prosecution could see Puigdemont facing 30 years in prison if convicted, reported “El Pais”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's cabinet met to describe the area and time of measures the government plans to undertake under Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution.

Article allows central authorities to intervene when one of Spain's 17 autonomous regions does not abide by the law.

It has never been used since the adoption of the 1978 Constitution, but Rajoy's conservative government says that establishing direct control over Catalonia was a final measure.

The goal is to bring legitimacy and restore institutional normality, the prime minister said on Friday.

Rajoy could force the removal of Catalan officials and call early regional elections for January. Such actions are expected to spur angry opposition from supporters of independence and moderate Catalans who would see them as an attack on their autonomy.

The slow constitutional crisis during the secession escalated this month, when regional government officials claimed a controversial independence referendum, held on October 1st, gave them a legal basis for separation from Spain./Periscopi/