Spain: Police clash with secessionist protesters in Barcelona Nov. 10

Event

Secessionist protesters clashed with police officers in the Barcelona city center on Saturday, November 10, as Spanish national police forces marched in the city demanding higher wages. No associated arrests or casualties were immediately reported. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are possible in central Barcelona over the coming hours. Similar skirmishes between security forces and Catalan separatist protesters cannot be ruled out in the coming weeks.

Context

Political tensions flared between the Spanish government and supporters of Catalan independence following Catalonia's controversial and unsanctioned independence referendum on October 1, 2017. The results, in which 90 percent of the votes were in favor of independence, were ruled unconstitutional and annulled by the central government in Madrid.

Advice

Individuals in Barcelona are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.