Spain: Additional police sent to Catalonia; protests Sep. 24 /update 7

Event

Spain's central government announced on Friday, September 22, that it plans to send more state police to Catalonia ahead of the planned independence referendum scheduled for October 1. Reports say the officers will monitor public spaces and "act in case the illegal referendum moves forward." According to Spanish media, between 3000 and 4000 additional officers have been deployed to join the 5000 already present in Catalonia (in addition to the 17,000 local police). 

In addition, on Saturday, September 23, the Spanish government announced that all local and national police had temporarily been placed under a single chain of command, reporting to the Interior Ministry of the government in Madrid. This move was quickly denounced by Catalan leaders, who stated that they would not accept the decision. According to local reporting, the order placing all police under federal command is currently set to remain in place until at least October 1.

In response to these developments, pro-independence activists have called for protests to take place in front of city council buildings in Barcelona and across the region on Sunday, September 24, beginning at 11:00 (local time). Recent demonstrations have drawn large crowds to Barcelona's Superior Tribunal of Justice of Catalonia. Transportation disruptions and an increased security presence is to be anticipated surrounding all protests.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy previously warned regional leaders of "greater harm" if the referendum is not called off. Further demonstrations are likely in the coming days. 

Context

Tensions between the central and regional government remain high since Catalonia (northeastern Spain) announced its intention to hold an independence referendum on Sunday, October 1. Despite logistical and judicial barriers, Catalan leaders continue to affirm that the referendum will take place as planned. The Catalan government has accused the central Spanish government of violating democratic principles, resorting to totalitarian measures, and suspending the region's autonomy.

The referendum has been officially suspended by the Spanish Constitutional Court and the state prosecutor has launched a criminal probe against some 700 Catalan mayors for pledging to allow the referendum vote to take place. Spanish authorities also seized control of Catalonia's finances and confiscated thousands of census cards and 45,000 notifications for Catalans selected to staff polling stations by raiding printing companies.

Around 40,000 people protested throughout Catalonia on September 20 and 21 against the National Guard raids.

Leave for all members of the national police and the National Guard has been suspended until October 5.

Advice

Individuals in Spain are advised to keep abreast of the situation and avoid demonstrations as a precaution.