Thanks Hive account@freedomvigilante. Let me clarify, based on your reaction:

1. I am not predicting that the Catalonian independence movement will succeed in obtaining secession (as far as "allowing" such secession to happen - of course not! My post was meant to highlight the injustice to which the central government is resorting in order to not allow this to happen
2. I am not claiming that Catalonian secession is legal under Spanish law (I don't know Spanish law well enough to litigate that)

What I AM saying is that Catalonia has a moral right to secede. As both a German and a US citizen, I would grant the same right to Bavaria and California (since you ask). As a Libertarian, I believe that coercion (application of violence) is not justified unless that is in self defense. The Catalonian people are engaged in a peaceful referendum, and the only violence I see reported is that of the central Spanish security forces (but I am sure there are some violent Catalonian independence supporters as well, which I would condemn). If 80% of the non-Catalan Spaniards agree that "Catalonia is Spain", and 80% of the Catalonians agree that it isn't, how is this not an occupation?

In short I am not making a positive statement (what will happen) but a normative one (what should happen)

Appreciate the dialogue though, so I would welcome your reply.