Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Thousands march in Barcelona in support of an independence referendum

Spain's public prosecutor has summoned more than 700 Catalan mayors to appear for questioning over their support for a banned independence referendum. The prosecutors' office ordered the mayors who have agreed to help stage the vote be summoned to court as official suspects and if they do not appear to "order their arrest", according to a copy of the ruling obtained by AFP. READ MORE: Hundreds of thousands ready for Catalonian independence rally

The pro-independence coalition ruling Catalonia has vowed to hold the vote despite the prohibition and has asked the 947 mayors in the northeastern region to provide facilities for the plebiscite. Meanwhile Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and his conservative Popular Party have vowed to do everything within their power to stop the referendum, which they argue cannot take place according to Spain's 1978 constitution. READ MORE: Storm Aileen: Heavy rain warning in place during rush hour

On Wednesday, the country’s top prosecutor, Jose Manuel Maza, ordered provincial prosecutors to investigate 712 mayors who have already offered municipal facilities for the October 1 vote and the regional Catalan police to arrest them if they do not show up to give evidence.
Spanish Attorney General, José Manuel Maza, imputes 700 Catalan mayors for their role in the banned independence referendum.