This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/news/422294-catalonia-clashes-puigdemont-arrest/

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
70+ injured as violent clashes erupt in Barcelona after ex-leader Puigdemont’s arrest (VIDEOS) 80+ injured as violent clashes erupt across Catalonia after ex-leader Puigdemont’s arrest (VIDEOS)
(about 1 hour later)
Over 70 people have been injured after riot police in Barcelona clashed with a crowd of angry protesters who denounced the arrest of Catalonia’s former separatist leader Carles Puigdemont in Germany earlier on Sunday. Over 80 people have been injured in clashes with riot police in Barcelona and elsewhere across Catalonia, as angry protesters denounced the arrest of former separatist leader Carles Puigdemont in Germany earlier on Sunday.
Armed with batons, riot police officers faced-off with an angry crowd as they attempted to prevent the protesters from marching on the office of the central Spanish government’s representative in Barcelona.Armed with batons, riot police officers faced-off with an angry crowd as they attempted to prevent the protesters from marching on the office of the central Spanish government’s representative in Barcelona.
Police reportedly fired warning shots and bludgeoned protesters as eggs, cans and glass bottles were thrown from the crowd at the officers.Police reportedly fired warning shots and bludgeoned protesters as eggs, cans and glass bottles were thrown from the crowd at the officers.
At least 79 people – including 13 officers – were injured in clashes, according to the Catalan capital’s emergency services, AFP reports. In addition, eight more people were reportedly injured in separate brawls with authorities during pro-Puigdemont rallies elsewhere.At least 79 people – including 13 officers – were injured in clashes, according to the Catalan capital’s emergency services, AFP reports. In addition, eight more people were reportedly injured in separate brawls with authorities during pro-Puigdemont rallies elsewhere.
The violence forced the Catalan parliament speaker, Roger Torrent, to take to regional television and appeal to the public for calm. "I have no doubt that Catalan society will act as it always has, with non-violence," he said.
Meanwhile in Girona, hundreds of Catalans staged a mass protest in front of the government sub-delegation, with a banner reading ‘liberty’. Later, the demonstrators blocked part of a highway, reportedly triggering minor scuffles with car drivers.
The violence forced the Catalan parliament speaker, Roger Torrent, to take to regional television and appeal to the public for calm. "I have no doubt that Catalan society will act as it always has, with non-violence," he said.
A European arrest warrant for Puigdemont and a number of his aides was issued by the Spanish Supreme Court last Friday. On Sunday, Puigdemont was eventually detained, having crossed the German border with Denmark and after narrowly evading arrest in Finland.A European arrest warrant for Puigdemont and a number of his aides was issued by the Spanish Supreme Court last Friday. On Sunday, Puigdemont was eventually detained, having crossed the German border with Denmark and after narrowly evading arrest in Finland.
Puigdemont stands accused of rebellion and sedition, after leading a pro-independence referendum deemed illegal by Madrid late last year. A number of his colleagues, who had helped organize the ballot, have spent time in jail and are now facing trial. Puigdemont himself is facing up to 25 years in prison.Puigdemont stands accused of rebellion and sedition, after leading a pro-independence referendum deemed illegal by Madrid late last year. A number of his colleagues, who had helped organize the ballot, have spent time in jail and are now facing trial. Puigdemont himself is facing up to 25 years in prison.
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!