Spain: Activists to protest in cities across Spain, Sept. 18

Event

The We Speak Spanish (Hablamos Espanol) association has organized demonstrations in multiple major cities across Spain Sept. 18. The purpose of the protests is to demand the freedom of choice of language in schools. Organizers have planned protests for the following times and locations:

• Barcelona: Arco de Triunfo from 12:00

• Vitoria: Plaza de la Virgen Blanca from 12:00-13:00

• Madrid: Plaza de las Cortes from 11:00-13:30

• Alicante: Plaza de Calvo Sotelo from 11:00-13:00

• Castellon: Plaza de la Pescaderia from 11:00-13:00

• La Coruna: Obelisco from 11:00-13:00

• Oviedo: Plaza de la Escandalera from 11:00-13:00

• Palma de Mallorca: San Miguel esq. Puerta Pintada from 11:00-13:00

• Sevilla: Plaza de la Encarnacion Las Setas from 11:00-13:00

• Valencia: Plaza del Ayuntamiento from 11:00-13:00

• Valladolid: Plaza de Espana from 11:00-13:00

• Vigo: Plaza de la Constitucion from 11:00-13:00

• Zaragoza: Plaza de Espana from 11:00-13:00

Related protests are likely in additional cities and towns across the country; attendance will vary by location but could exceed 1,000 at larger gatherings.

Police will likely deploy and monitor all protests. Large numbers of people and associated security measures could prompt localized transport disruptions in protest areas; public transport may be suspended or diverted. Clashes between protesters and authorities are unlikely but cannot be ruled out. In response, security services may resort to riot-control tactics, such as tear gas and water cannon.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from police and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Allow extra time for travel in protest-affected areas.