Protests set Barcelona ablaze for a third night

Fury in the streets of Barcelona hit a new level Wednesday (October 17) with protesters hurling petrol bombs at riot police.

It was the Spanish city's third night of fiery protests against the sentencing of Catalan separatist leaders.

As on Tuesday (October 16) things took a violent turn after nightfall.

Protesters formed fiery roadblocks in stand-offs with police.

Police say acid was lobbed at officers.

Reuters witnesses said in some places, police charged at protesters.

Emergency services said 52 people had been treated in Barcelona and around the region through the day.

In a message broadcast after midnight, Catalan leader Quim Torra said the jailed leaders' sentences were 'unfair' but he demanded an end to the clashes.

(SOUNDBITE) (Catalan) CATALAN REGIONAL LEADER QUIM TORRA SAYING:

"I call for calm and serenity. The independence movement is not violent. We have always condemned violence. We cannot allow the incidents that are taking place in the streets of our country."

The protests and Monday's court rulings that sparked all this stem from a failed bid to break away from Spain two years ago.

Nine of the leaders of that movement now face lengthy sentences on charges including sedition.

Torra's predecessor, Carles Puidgemont, held the 2017 referendum in defiance of Spain but he is not among the jailed leaders.

He's living in Belgium. Spain is now trying for a third time to extradite him.

On Wednesday, the Brussels prosecutor's office said it had received the request, but it may take weeks to reach a decision.