In Barcelona yesterday, for the sixth consecutive day, Catalan separatists demonstrated against the conviction of leading representatives of the independence movement. According to police, about 6,000 people gathered in the central square Urquinaona. Compared to the previous day it was comparatively quiet.
Barricades erected on Ramblas
The demonstrators followed a call for Leftist separatists. They protested against „police repression“ and chanted, „Crew out!“ To prevent re-violence, dozens of pro-independence activists formed a human chain between the demonstrators and the police.
Nonetheless, violent demonstrators managed to set fire to the city’s municipal properties and erect barricades, especially on the famous Las Ramblas. Subsequently, they were dispersed by police.
Protests also in Madrid
There were also protests in San Sebastian and in Madrid. In the capital, there were clashes between protesters and the police. According to the rescue workers, 26 people were injured.
In Catalonia, the violence escalated on Friday night. During the night riots yesterday, at least 182 people were injured. The cause of the protests was the conviction of nine leaders of the Catalan independence movement. Spain’s Supreme Court had imposed on Monday imprisonment of up to 13 years against prominent politicians of the movement.
