Spain: Pro-independence activists to protest in cities across Catalonia from 2000 March 9

Event

Protests are possible across Catalonia into at least mid-March in response to the European Parliament's decision to strip former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and two other senior figures involved in the region's 2017 independence referendum of parliamentary immunity. The Catalan National Assembly (ANC) and other pro-independence groups plan to demonstrate in cities across the region starting at 2000 March 9 to denounce the move. The protests slated to take place at the following locations will likely be among the largest and most disruptive of the gatherings:

• Barcelona: Placa de Sant Jaume

• Girona: Placa del Vi

• Lleida: Placa Ricard Vines

• Sabadell: Placa Sant Roc

• Tarragona: Placa de la Font

• Vic: Placa Major

Related demonstrations will also take place in other towns across the region. Attendance will vary by location but will likely be in the thousands at larger gatherings.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy an increased police presence to monitor the demonstrations. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt localized disruptions. Current COVID-19 measures in Spain restrict public gatherings; hence, police may attempt to prohibit the demonstrations or disperse activists deemed to be breaching these restrictions. Clashes between activists and security personnel cannot be ruled out.

Context

The Spanish government asserts that the failed 2017 Catalonian independence referendum was illegal and has sought to prosecute those involved in organizing the vote and related civil unrest. Puigdemont and the two other senior officials have been living in exile since the referendum while being protected from prosecution due to their immunity as members of the European Parliament (MEPs). They argue the Spanish government's charges of sedition against them are an example of political persecution.

The European Parliament's decision to strip them of their immunity enables the Spanish government to begin extradition proceedings against them. Previous convictions of those involved in the referendum prompted regionwide protests often escalating to violence. A spike in protests could occur following any significant developments in the Spanish government's attempts to prosecute Puigdemont and his colleagues.

Advice

Avoid all protests 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. Allow extra time to reach destinations in the vicinity of any rallies that may materialize.