SPAIN’S Senate authorised the suspension of Catalonia’s government yesterday after the region’s parliament voted to declare independence.

A government spokesman said Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy would enact direct rule powers immediately.

Attorney General Jose Manuel Maza’s office said he would seek sedition charges for Catalan leaders, including regional president Carles Puigdemont and vice-president Oriol Junqueras. He may also go after regional MPs and parliamentary officials.