27 Sep 2017 | 03:55 PM UTC
Spain: Final Catalan pro-independence rally in Barcelona Sep. 30
Several pro-independence organizations plan to hold final rally in Barcelona at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc on Sep. 30 ahead of Oct. 1 referendum; expect traffic disruptions
Event
A number of pro-independence groups will hold a final rally in Barcelona on Saturday, September 30, before the planned referendum on Catalan independence on October 1. Supporters are expected to gather at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc at 20:00 (local time). Thousands of people will likely participate in the demonstration. Expect localized traffic disruptions and increased security measures around the rally.
Context
Tensions between the central Spanish government and the regional Catalan 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.
Spain's central government announced on September 22 that additional state police officers will be deployed to Catalonia ahead of the referendum. 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 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.
Advice
Individuals in Spain, particularly in Barcelona, are advised to keep abreast of the situation and avoid demonstrations as a precaution.
