11.   Many Basques, including independence advocates, see armed violence as unnecessary, considering the high level of autonomy the region has enjoyed for two decades.

12.   Police blamed the attacks on young independence advocates.

13.   The attackers opened fire with a submachine gun on Yuri Voronov, a parliament deputy and prominent independence advocate, on Monday night.

14.   The vote leaned toward the middle-aged and elderly, a bad sign for independence advocates who were hoping the youth vote would help them carry the day.

15.   Voter turnout was reportedly higher in white districts where ties to the British crown are stronger, and independence advocates were steeling themselves for defeat.

16.   Voter turnout Wednesday was reportedly higher in white districts where ties to the British crown are stronger, and independence advocates were steeling themselves for defeat.

17.   Washington outraged Beijing by sending two aircraft carriers to the Taiwan Strait in March after China launched war games aimed at intimidating Taiwanese independence advocates.