18 Nov 2019 | 09:34 AM UTC
Spain: Protests reported in Barcelona November 18 /update 13
Protesters gather at the Superior Court on November 18; transportation disruptions and heightened security presence expected
Event
Protesters have gathered at a Barcelona court on Monday, November 18, against an ongoing trial. President of the Generalitat Quim Torra is on trial at the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) for disobedience for refusing to remove a banner in favor for political prisoners during the municipal and European election campaign. Protesters have gathered in solidarity with Torra and the political prisoners.
A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected for most of the day as the trial takes place. Protests remain possible in the evening due to overall tensions regarding independence movement issues.
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, confirm their flight reservations, anticipate delays and cancelations, plan additional travel time, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
