Thousands of people turned out to support Catalan president Artur Mas as he arrived at a Barcelona court on yesterday to testify on a referendum on independence from Spain he held even after it was ruled illegal.

The regional head of the wealthy northeastern region, which has its own language and distinct culture, was indicted last month on preliminary charges of disobedience, abuse of authority and usurping authority for carrying out the vote in November 2014.

Supporters draped with the Catalan red and yellow striped flag chanted “president” and “independence” as Mr Mas walked to the Supreme Court of Catalonia, flanked by hundreds of mayors from the region bearing their cere - monial maces.

In the court, Mr Mas said the referendum was a core objective of his administration and he assumed total responsibility for holding it.

“I don’t understand why I’m here giving explanations,” local media quoted him as telling the judge.“He fought and did what he had to do and we can't leave him alone now,” said Isabel Princep, 58, a retired clerk in the crowd of supporters. “I find it totally unfair that a Catalan president is judged this way,” she added.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, facing a December 20 general election, has rejected calls for a referendum on independence, saying such a vote would be against the Constitution.

He says one part of Spain cannot decide what happens to the whole.