Spain: Union activists to hold vehicular protest in Barcelona on December 6

Event

Spanish unionist activists opposed to the Catalonian independence movement plan to demonstrate in central Barcelona Dec. 6. The demonstration will mark Spain's Constitution Day and denounce a proposed law that would alter the status of the Spanish language in the education system. Participants will gather in their vehicles at Placa d'Artos at 1200 before proceeding in a caravan through the city; organizers have not given details of the specific route. Counter-demonstrations by pro-independence activists are possible.

Additional police will almost certainly deploy to monitor and facilitate the demonstration. The action itself and related security measures, such as road closures and movement restrictions, will likely cause significant disruption along the demonstration route. Public transport normally routed through the area may be canceled or diverted. Current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures in Spain restrict public gatherings; police may attempt to shut down the demonstration if it is deemed to be breaching these restrictions. The event is likely to proceed peacefully, though isolated clashes cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions for disruptions before beginning journeys, and allow extra time for travel in Barcelona on the afternoon of Dec. 6.