25 Nov 2019 | 05:06 PM UTC
Spain: Protest planned in Barcelona November 25 /update 14
Pro-independence activists to hold demonstration in Barcelona November 25; heightened security presence and associated disruptions expected
Event
Pro-independence activist groups have called for a demonstration in Barcelona on Monday, November 25, in support of imprisoned independence leaders. The protest is set to take place in Ramon Torres Casanova Square at 20:00 (local time) on Monday evening.
A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions, including road closures and public transport delays, are expected in the area. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
Protests have been ongoing since October 1, which marked 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.
Advice
Individuals in Barcelona are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
