SCOTTISH First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is expected tonight to meet a former Catalan minister facing extradition to Spain.

Clara Ponsati, an economist, is being chased by the authorities in Madrid for alleged “violent rebellion” for her involvement in the region’s bid for independence.

Professor Ponsati, who holds a lecturership at St Andrew’s University, denies the charges against her.

Her legal team, led by Aamer Anwar, says the allegations are a “politically motivated” attack on Catalan separatists, condemning the fact that she may face a potential sentence of 33 years if she is deported to Spain.

Quim Torra, the pro-independence Catalan regional president, will also be present at the meeting between Ms Sturgeon and Prof Ponsati.

Mr Anwar said that his client had done nothing but “peacefully promote” the independence referendum. He said the Spanish government’s accusations of “treason” were false.

The lawyer also warned the British government that “extradition would be unjust, oppressive and incompatible with [Prof Ponsati’s] human rights.”