Spain: Activists to stage protest rally at Plaza de Sant Jaume in Barcelona on Jan. 22

Event

Several activist groups, including Cataluna Suma and Espanya i Catalans, plan to stage a protest rally at Barcelona's Plaza Sant Jaume starting at 12:00 Jan. 22. The purpose of the event is to oppose Catalonian separatism and the policies of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon in that regard. The event is likely to draw large crowds of participants.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy heavy security at and around Plaza de Sant Jaume to facilitate and monitor the event. Police could close off nearby thoroughfares, resulting in localized traffic and public transport disruptions. While the event will likely remain largely peaceful, isolated security incidents cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the general vicinity of Plaza de Sant Jaume during the afternoon and evening of Jan. 22 as a standard precaution and to mitigate security-related disruptions. Allow extra time to reach nearby destinations. Heed the instructions of local authorities. Leave the area at the first sign of any security disturbance.