This article is from the source 'bbc' 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.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-50064106
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Catalan protests: Fresh clashes after Spain jails separatist leaders | |
(32 minutes later) | |
Thousands of pro-independence demonstrators have taken to the streets of Catalan cities for a second day, leading to clashes with riot police. | Thousands of pro-independence demonstrators have taken to the streets of Catalan cities for a second day, leading to clashes with riot police. |
In Barcelona, fires were started and protesters attempted to storm government offices. | In Barcelona, fires were started and protesters attempted to storm government offices. |
It follows the sentencing on Monday of nine Catalan separatist leaders. | It follows the sentencing on Monday of nine Catalan separatist leaders. |
Catalonia's regional government said it sympathised with protesters' anger. Spanish authorities are investigating who is organising the disruption. | Catalonia's regional government said it sympathised with protesters' anger. Spanish authorities are investigating who is organising the disruption. |
Protesters have reportedly been using a website known as Tsunami Democratic, which directs them to protest sites in Catalan cities. | Protesters have reportedly been using a website known as Tsunami Democratic, which directs them to protest sites in Catalan cities. |
In Barcelona, riot police charged into a crowd of protesters who were trying to access government buildings. | In Barcelona, riot police charged into a crowd of protesters who were trying to access government buildings. |
There were three arrests and local media reported that nine people had been treated by medical services. | There were three arrests and local media reported that nine people had been treated by medical services. |
Protests were also reported in the cities of Girona and Tarragona. | Protests were also reported in the cities of Girona and Tarragona. |
Why are people protesting? | Why are people protesting? |
The protests began after nine Catalan independence leaders were handed jail sentences of between nine and 13 years on Monday. | The protests began after nine Catalan independence leaders were handed jail sentences of between nine and 13 years on Monday. |
The separatists were convicted of sedition over their role in an illegal independence referendum in 2017. | The separatists were convicted of sedition over their role in an illegal independence referendum in 2017. |
Another three were found guilty of disobedience and fined, but not jailed. All 12 defendants denied the charges. | Another three were found guilty of disobedience and fined, but not jailed. All 12 defendants denied the charges. |
Joan Tardà , the former deputy leader of a pro-Catalan independence party, has called for peaceful protests. | Joan Tardà , the former deputy leader of a pro-Catalan independence party, has called for peaceful protests. |
"There is nothing more lethal to independence than the combination between a violent minority action on the street and an uncontrolled police force," he said on Twitter. | "There is nothing more lethal to independence than the combination between a violent minority action on the street and an uncontrolled police force," he said on Twitter. |
What is behind the Catalonia controversy? | What is behind the Catalonia controversy? |
Catalan nationalists have long complained that their region, which has a distinct history dating back almost 1,000 years, sends too much money to poorer parts of Spain, as taxes are controlled by Madrid. | Catalan nationalists have long complained that their region, which has a distinct history dating back almost 1,000 years, sends too much money to poorer parts of Spain, as taxes are controlled by Madrid. |
The wealthy region is home to about 7.5 million people, with their own language, parliament, flag and anthem. | The wealthy region is home to about 7.5 million people, with their own language, parliament, flag and anthem. |
In September, a march in Barcelona in support of Catalonia's independence from Spain drew crowds of about 600,000 people - one of the lowest turnouts in the eight-year history of the annual rally. | In September, a march in Barcelona in support of Catalonia's independence from Spain drew crowds of about 600,000 people - one of the lowest turnouts in the eight-year history of the annual rally. |