05 Dec 2023 | 10:39 PM UTC
Spain: Protests against government amnesty deal likely to continue nationwide through at least mid-December /update 2
Anti-amnesty protests likely to continue across Spain through at least mid-December; heightened security and transport disruptions likely.
Protests to denounce a proposed amnesty for organizers of the 2017 Catalonian Independence Referendum will likely continue through at least mid-December. Related demonstrations have regularly occurred in cities across the country and often take place at Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) offices. The largest and most consistent protests are the daily demonstrations at the PSOE headquarters (70 Calle Ferraz) in Madrid. Additionally, the Foundation for the Defense of the Spanish Nation (Fundacion DENAES) is organizing related protests at PSOE offices in all 52 regional capitals from 13:00 Dec. 6.
Heightened security and transport disruptions are likely near any demonstrations that materialize. Clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement officers have occurred during previous protests and cannot be ruled out at related demonstrations moving forward.
Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Immediately depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Allow additional time if traveling near demonstration sites. Identify and avoid local PSOE offices due to the heightened risk of demonstrations around them.
The PSOE announced on Nov. 9 that it had reached a deal to form a government in exchange for granting amnesty to organizers of the 2017 Catalonian Independence Referendum. Protests further intensified following the shooting of politician Alejo Vidal-Quadras, founder of the Vox political party, in central Madrid the same day. Prior to this, demonstrators had gathered in cities across the country for several months to protest negotiations between the PSOE and the Catalonian Junts party concerning a possible amnesty agreement for referendum organizers. Anti-amnesty activists demonstrated at PSOE offices nationwide on Nov. 6, as well as at the PSOE headquarters in Madrid Nov. 7; law enforcement officers forcibly dispersed demonstrators during the Madrid rally. The largest such demonstration, a Nov. 18 gathering in Madrid, drew an estimated 170,000 participants.
