European Arrest Warrants for politicians who organised last year's Catalan independence referendum have been withdrawn by Spain.

Former Catalan minister and St Andrews lecturer Clara Ponsati has been fighting extradition on charges of rebellion.

But on Thursday, a Spanish judge rescinded the international arrest warrant for the 61-year-old.

Warrants for several others, including former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, have also been dropped.

It comes after a German court ruled Mr Puigdemont could not be extradited to Spain face a charge of rebellion.

The decision to rescind the warrants means Ms Ponsati and her colleagues no longer face extradition. However, they would still face legal proceedings if they return to Spain.

Lawyer Aamer Anwar, who has been representing Ms Ponsati, said it could leave members of the former Catalan government in permanent exile.

"The is welcome news but as long as political prisoners remain in custody this is very much business as usual for the Spanish Government," Mr Anwar said.

"The national warrants have not been withdrawn. Clara and the other ministers remain as political exiles because if they return they could be arrested. The political prisoners in Spain have also not been released.

"It remains to be seen whether they will issue another European Arrest Warrant or if they will keep them in exile."

The Catalan Defence Committee Scotland has also called for so-called political prisoners to be released.

"We thrilled that Clara's charges have been pulled by Spanish authorities," a spokesman said.

"All charges were baseless in the first instance. Democracy is not a crime and Clara is not a criminal. Today is a victory for all who believe in democracy and the right to self-determination.

"Assurances must be given that Clara and other exiles can return to their home of Catalonia without fear of arrest or persecution and political prisoners must be released."