The Spanish Parliament has approved a controversial amnesty law that grants pardon to hundreds of Catalan separatists involved in the 2017 illegal independence bid.

The law, which was part of a deal between Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the Catalan separatist party Junts, allows for the potential return of exiled leader Carles Puigdemont to a leadership role in Catalonia.

The amnesty covers officials, politicians, and individuals accused during protests and clashes.

The final vote saw 177 members in favor and 172 against, overcoming a symbolic veto from the Senate.

Legal challenges are expected regarding the law's alignment with the Spanish Constitution and principles of equality.