Nazi-saluting fascists clash with police in Catalonia
Franco chants as demo against independence turns violent
SCUFFLES broke out in Catalonia yesterday as thousands of unionist protesters demanded a crackdown on the region’s bid for independence.
Less than 48 hours after politicians declared the region was breaking away from Spain, tensions boiled over and extremists clashed with police.
While most of the near millionstrong crowd were peaceful, some performed Nazi salutes and chanted in support of former fascist dictator General Franco.
As Catalonia’s president defied Madrid’s plan to take control of the area, crowds with Spanish flags marched through Barcelona demanding his imprisonment and declaring ‘Viva España!’.
Some of the crowd attacked proindependence supporters and journalists, prompting local residents to say they were ‘afraid of what was to come’. In return,
Show of strength: Thousands gather to resist the region’s declaration of independence nationalist rivals pledged that the backing independence would take former family home about an hour attempt to take direct control was 42.5% of the vote, with unity supporters and a half from Barcelona. However a ‘coup’ that would be resisted. on 43.4%. he is expected to return to
Holidaymakers to the region are Spain’s foreign minister, Alfonso work in Barcelona today being urged to take care amid the Dastis, yesterday opened the door A Belgian immigration minister demonstrations. for Catalan president Carles Puigdemont yesterday suggested Mr Puigdemont
In an unprecedented attempt to and his pro-separatist could apply for asylum quash the nationalists, Madrid party to take part but warned that there. He was later rebuked by announced a range of sweeping he could be jailed first. Belgium’s prime minister. powers to enforce direct rule over ‘If he is not put in jail at that Meanwhile many fear Madrid’s the region on Friday, as well as time I think he is not ineligible,’ move to take control of official calling an election for December. Mr Dastis said. Prosecutors have buildings in the region could lead
And in a blow to separatist leaders, said they will file ‘rebellion’ to further confrontation. new opinion polls have shown charges against the leader and After thousands of people took that they could lose the ballot. ministers which could result in to the streets of Barcelona to celebrate The survey, published by the El 30-year jail terms. Mr Puigdemont its independence declaration Mundo newspaper, found parties was last night hiding out in his on Friday night, local police said that 300,000 protesters took part in yesterday’s unity rally.
Its organisers, however, dismissed the estimate and said 1.1million had attended the event.
Ines Arrimadas, of the Citizens party, said: ‘Today the silent majority of Catalans are once again taking to the street to show that the majority of Catalans feel Catalan, Spanish and European.’
Insurance worker Susanna Delgado, 44, who has lived in Barcelona all her life, said: ‘I am afraid of what will happen. We had to do something. We cannot be silent.’
Independence supporters were given a boost last night when Catalan club Girona beat European champions Real Madrid 2-1.