The attempt to extradite a former Catalan minister from Scotland to Spain is an act of "political repression", her solicitor has said.

Clara Ponsati, 61, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court for a short preliminary hearing on Thursday.

She is accused of taking part in a violent rebellion and misappropriating public funds by allowing schools to be used as voting places whilst she served as the region's education minister.

Her solicitor Aamer Anwar said she "utterly refutes" the charges, which could result in a sentence of up to 25 years and eight years respectively if she were to be extradited and convicted.

In a short statement upon their arrival at the court, Mr Anwar said: "We intend to robustly defend Clara Ponsati against the extradition attempts by the Spanish authorities.

"European extradition warrants were never set up to be used as a tool of political repression."

The 61-year-old academic appeared from custody at the court last month and was released on bail hours after she voluntarily handed herself in to Scottish police following the issue of a European arrest warrant for her.

The case was adjourned until May 15.