Spain: Independence activists protesting in Barcelona July 4

Event

Pro-independence activists are currently protesting outside the Barcelona Bar Association headquarters on Calle Mallorca July 4. Protesters are gathered the denounce a visit by a supreme court judge involved in the sentencing of leaders of the 2017 independence referendum. Attendance is in the hundreds. A smaller number of counterprotesters demonstrating support for the judge are also in attendance.

Additional police are deployed to monitor the action and are imposing additional security measures around the facility. Localized transport disruptions are likely in the surrounding area. Isolated clashes between protesters and police have been reported as activists have tried to enter the building. Further clashes are possible between rival groups of activists should they come into contact. While bystanders are unlikely to be directly targeted in any violence they would face an indirect threat of harm.

Advice

Avoid the protest 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 for travel in the surrounding area.