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Catalan referendum: Regional strike threatened after vote Catalan referendum: Anti-police strike hits public services
(about 3 hours later)
A general strike threatens to bring large areas of Catalonia to a standstill, following the Spanish region's disputed referendum. Protesters are blocking major roads in Catalonia and there is little public transport because of a general strike.
The strike was called by Catalan trade unions and associations due to "the grave violation of rights and freedoms" seen during Sunday's ballot. Catalan trade unions called the strike to show public anger at Spanish police violence that marred the region's independence referendum on Sunday.
Madrid had deemed the referendum illegal. However, more than 2.2m people reportedly voted in spite of this. At least 24 protesters' roadblocks were reported across Catalonia, causing big traffic jams. Barcelona port was at a standstill, union sources said.
But hundreds were hurt as Spanish police tried to stop it going ahead. However, the city's El Prat airport and its taxis are operating normally.
Some of the officers ordered to prevent people casting their vote were seen firing rubber bullets, storming into polling stations and pulling women by their hair. Many small businesses across Catalonia have shut for the day. Schools, universities and medical services are also closed or operating at a minimum level.
Thirty-three police officers were injured on Sunday, Catalan medical officials said. The strike was called in protest at "the grave violation of rights and freedoms" seen during Sunday's ballot. Almost 900 people were hurt as Spanish police tried to prevent voting, in a referendum declared illegal by the Madrid government.
Tuesday's strike, a reaction to the violence, will see public transport, schools and clinics in Catalonia closed for the day. Some police officers were seen firing rubber bullets, storming into polling stations and pulling women by their hair.
Barcelona's famous football team is also expected to go on strike, although it is not due to play a match, as are the city's public universities and contemporary art museum. Thirty-three police officers were also injured in Sunday's clashes, Catalan medical officials said.
However, more than 2.2m people reportedly voted in spite of this. The Catalan government says the vote in support of independence was nearly 90%, but official results have not yet been released.
Turnout was relatively low at a reported 42%, potentially weakening the position of Catalan President Carles Puigdemont.
Catalan rage: Separatism or populism?Catalan rage: Separatism or populism?
By Europe Editor Katya AdlerBy Europe Editor Katya Adler
It would be wrong to interpret the anger and anguish so palpable in Catalonia right now as an expression of political unity. Catalans are as divided as ever on the question of independence.It would be wrong to interpret the anger and anguish so palpable in Catalonia right now as an expression of political unity. Catalans are as divided as ever on the question of independence.
What unites them today is a seething fury and resentment at the heavy-handedness of the Spanish government, represented by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, with what Catalans perceive as his Madrid-centric arrogance, brutishness and disregard for the rights of individuals.What unites them today is a seething fury and resentment at the heavy-handedness of the Spanish government, represented by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, with what Catalans perceive as his Madrid-centric arrogance, brutishness and disregard for the rights of individuals.
This is far less about separatism than populism. Anti-establishment, nationalist sentiment a la Catalana.This is far less about separatism than populism. Anti-establishment, nationalist sentiment a la Catalana.
Read more from Katya:Why Catalan emotions are running high Read more from Katya: Why Catalan emotions are running high
Meanwhile, political leaders are trying to find a way forward.Meanwhile, political leaders are trying to find a way forward.
Catalan President Carles Puigdemont has said he wants a new understanding with the central government in Madrid, but the government, led by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, has warned it could suspend autonomy of the wealthy north-eastern region. President Puigdemont has said he wants a new understanding with the central government in Madrid, but the Spanish government has warned it could suspend autonomy of the wealthy north-eastern region.
However, while Catalan officials say almost 90% of voters backed independence, turn out was relatively low at a reported 42%, potentially weakening Mr Puigdemont's position. Given the chaotic nature of the vote, the turnout and voting figures should be taken with a pinch of salt, says the BBC's Tom Burridge in Barcelona.
What's more, given the chaotic nature of the vote, the turnout and voting figures should be taken with a pinch of salt, says the BBC's Tom Burridge in Barcelona. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said the vote made a "mockery" of democracy.
Mr Rajoy has said the vote made a "mockery" of democracy, saying that Catalans had been fooled into taking part in the illegal vote. He held talks with Pedro Sánchez, the leader of the main opposition Socialist party, as well as Albert Rivera, the head of the centrist Ciudadanos party, late on Monday.
The prime minister held talks with Pedro Sánchez, the leader of the main opposition Socialist party, as well as Albert Rivera, the head of the centrist Ciudadanos party, late on Monday.
While the socialist leader urged Mr Rajoy to hold talks with the Catalan president immediately, Mr Rivera said Spain should invoke article 155 of the constitution, in effect suspending Catalonia's autonomous powers.While the socialist leader urged Mr Rajoy to hold talks with the Catalan president immediately, Mr Rivera said Spain should invoke article 155 of the constitution, in effect suspending Catalonia's autonomous powers.
Mr Puigdemont has called on the international community to help mediate between the two sides.Mr Puigdemont has called on the international community to help mediate between the two sides.
However, the European Commission described the crisis as "an internal matter" for Spain, that has to be dealt with in line with the constitutional order.However, the European Commission described the crisis as "an internal matter" for Spain, that has to be dealt with in line with the constitutional order.