Spain: Pro-independence activists to demonstrate in Placa de Catalunya, Barcelona, from 1200 Feb. 28

Event

Catalonian independence activists led by the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) plan to demonstrate in central Barcelona Feb. 28. The purpose of the action is to demand cooperation from three pro-independence political parties that collectively won a majority of seats at the recent Catalan regional elections. Participants will gather at Placa de Catalunya from 1200; counterprotests by Spanish nationalist activists are possible.

Additional police will likely deploy to monitor the action. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions in the protest area. Current COVID-19 measures in Spain place restrictions on public gatherings; police may attempt to disperse participants deemed to be breaching these restrictions. Isolated clashes between police and demonstrators or rival groups of activists cannot be ruled out. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted they would face an indirect threat of harm.

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 and local traffic conditions for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the demonstration area the afternoon of Feb. 28.