Spain: Catalan groups to protest in Madrid on March 16

Event

Catalan civil society groups are planning a protest march in Madrid on Saturday, March 16, in opposition of the trial of Catalan separatist leaders. Demonstrators will gather at Atocha rail station around 18:00 (local time) before marching north along the Paseo del Prado to Plaza de Cibeles by 21:00 where civil society leaders will give speeches. The events are in protest of the ongoing trial of Catalan separatist leaders.

Context

Several pro-Catalan independence leaders are set to stand trial on charges of treason, sedition, and misuse of public funds for their involvement in the unsanctioned 2017 independence referendum.

A controversial and unsanctioned independence referendum was 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-secessionist protesters and national police resulted in 893 civilians and 431 security personnel being injured. The results were ruled unconstitutional and annulled by the central government in Madrid.

Advice

Individuals in Madrid are advised to monitor developments, anticipate localized disruptions and heightened security presence, and avoid all demonstrations as a precaution.