SPAIN’S parliament voted today to give final approval to an amnesty for hundreds of Catalan separatists involved in an unlawful referendum on secession in 2017.

The legislation was backed by Spain’s left-wing coalition government, two Catalan separatist parties, and other smaller parties. It passed by a vote of 177-172 in the lower house with the conservative Popular Party and far-right Vox opposing it.

The amnesty should help hundreds, including former government officials in Barcelona as well as ordinary citizens who participated in the secession attempt or protests, and some police officers involved in the heavy-handed crackdown on those attempting to vote in the constitutionally disallowed process.

The law is likely to face legal challenges and will be reviewed by higher courts. It also must be applied by courts on a case-by-case basis.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez agreed to the act of pardon when he needed the support of the separatist lawmakers in Madrid to form a new national government in November.

It comes during the run-up to European Parliament elections on June 6-9 and while the Socialists are trying to form a government in Catalonia after beating the separatists in regional elections earlier this month.