Catalonia's quest for independence hit a speed bump with its referendum last month, but the central government in Madrid should not attempt to quell separatist fever by arresting government leaders involved in the movement. All citizens should be free to express their opinion through the ballot box rather than in the streets, and the government should ensure that voting is fair and uninhibited. For details, see the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development. §1.9 §1.10 §5.1 §6.1 §6.10