26 Oct 2019 | 03:59 PM UTC
Spain: Ongoing rally in Barcelona October 26 /update 8
Independence activists hold march in Barcelona October 26; further demonstrations planned
Event
A march organized by the Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC) and Omnium Cultural groups is ongoing in Barcelona as of the evening (local time) of Saturday, October 26. Participants gathered at the intersection of Carrer de la Marina and Carrer de Ramon Turró at approximately 17:00 and plan to march to Avinguda d'Icària, where a rally will be held.
Further protests are planned in Barcelona through Sunday, October 27.
On October 27, the Societat Civil Catalana (SCC) has called for a large demonstration to call for an end to the legal proceedings against the independence activists. Participants are due to gather at 12:00 at Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona.
A heightened security presence and lingering transportation disruptions are to be expected over the coming hours in Barcelona and other affected areas; associated demonstrations throughout the region may result in disruptions to transportation and business over the coming days. Counter-protests are possible. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
Protests have been ongoing since October 1, to mark the two-year anniversary of a failed independence referendum that took place in Catalonia in 2017. Several Catalan activists were consequently on trial for their involvement in the referendum, which Madrid deemed illegal. On October 14, the Supreme Court sentenced nine of them to between nine and 13 years in prison, prompting mass protests in Barcelona and other cities across Catalonia.
On October 15, protesters blocked several roads and highways and clashed violently with riot police. Six activists have been arrested, while 170 people - including 40 police officers - have been injured in the protests.
Advice
Individuals in Catalonia, notably in Barcelona, are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, confirm their flight reservations, anticipate delays and cancelations, plan additional travel time, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
