Spain: Separatist protests leave 28 wounded in Catalonia region Feb. 21 /update 1

Event

Catalan separatist protesters staged demonstrations in Barcelona and elsewhere in Catalonia region amid a general strike on Thursday, February 21, to denounce the trials of 12 Catalan separatist leaders. Protesters clashed with police near Plaza Catalonia railway station in Barcelona, throwing rocks at officers; police responded with force. Demonstrators in Barcelona also sat on train tracks, briefly disrupting rail transportation. Elsewhere in Catalonia, protesters obstructed some 11 highways with burning tires; the routes have since been cleared and reopened to traffic. Some 28 people, including a dozen law enforcement personnel, were wounded in the protests and accompanying clashes between demonstrators and police.

A heightened security presence, as well as transportation and business disruptions, are to be expected around potential future protests. Further clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Tensions in Catalonia have been high since a controversial and unsanctioned independence referendum held on October 1, 2017, in which 90 percent of votes cast were in support of independence. Polling was interrupted by the national police, who reportedly raided several polling stations. Violent clashes between pro-secession protesters and national police resulted in at least 893 civilians and 431 security personnel wounded. The results were ruled unconstitutional and annulled by the central government in Madrid.

Advice

Individuals in Catalonia are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all political demonstrations as a precaution, and avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public or on social media.