BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The Spanish government is facing calls from Catalan politicians and human rights groups to release jailed separatists, including two prominent pro-independence activists placed in pre-trial detention a year ago.

Amnesty International has called for the "immediate release" of Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, the leaders of two civil society groups who were jailed on Oct. 16, 2017, just over two weeks after an illegal independence referendum was held in Catalonia.

The rights group says their jailing is "excessive and disproportionate," adding that the rebellion charges they face are "unjustified and, therefore, should be dropped."

Catalan regional president Quim Torra, who favors independence from Spain, is paying a visit to the two activists on Tuesday. An evening protest is scheduled to demand their release.