You're conveniently missing out the role of the Spanish govt in placing many of the restrictions/criticisms that you mention in a process of oppression. The current Spanish govt is an oppressive regime that even enforces legal prosecutions against the likes of open critics of the Spanish royal family. Hence this whole move towards self-determination by the Catalans responds to a 'multitude of sins', economic and otherwise, committed by the Spanish govt for a good number of years. I actually question the authenticity of Spain being a true member of the EU anyway as the Spanish govt continues to violate the set doctrines of the EU for all members. Also the proposed referendum was deemed legal under the rules set in law within the law courts of Catalonia. IMO no different from here in the UK when Scottish law differs from English law in many aspects that our laws are set out. One element of debate in law is the constitutional one which tends to suit a superior nation that wants to hold some kinda stranglehold on a lesser affiliate - a constitutional, undemocratic joke that should be amended in law anyway. Lastly, note that an international delegation of parliamentarians arrived in Barcelona to observe the referendum at the invitation of the Public Diplomacy Council of Catalonia. A total of 33 representatives from 17 countries, incl Scotland. Some of this group have expressed concern re the violation of civil rights in Catalonia and wanted the vote to take place with no problems/hindrance.
This is the latest confrontation and negative activities of the Spanish govt and it's army of 'enforcers' on an autonomous region of Spain:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41452174
Catalonia's Vice President briefly said if Spanish Police prevented polling stations from opening, people called to vote at those sites would still be able to vote although he would not disclose how or where but that process was in place with mandatory official vetting. A recent sample of 3300 voters took in 2 scenarios - one with a boycott and a second one without. This showed that 62% of the voting population would vote in spite of a boycott and yes would win with an 83% yes vote. However, in the second scenario the no vote would rise from 16% to 32% but the yes vote was still solid at 66% on a 77% turnout with 23% abstaining.
This is the latest confrontation and negative activities of the Spanish govt and it's army of 'enforcers' on an autonomous region of Spain:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41452174
Catalonia's Vice President briefly said if Spanish Police prevented polling stations from opening, people called to vote at those sites would still be able to vote although he would not disclose how or where but that process was in place with mandatory official vetting. A recent sample of 3300 voters took in 2 scenarios - one with a boycott and a second one without. This showed that 62% of the voting population would vote in spite of a boycott and yes would win with an 83% yes vote. However, in the second scenario the no vote would rise from 16% to 32% but the yes vote was still solid at 66% on a 77% turnout with 23% abstaining.