Catalonia pro independence demonstrators fill streets of Barcelona wrapped in the “estelada” flag

Friday, September 22nd 2017 - 09:29 UTC

Full article 5 comments

Thousands gathered on Thursday to demand the release of a dozen Catalan officials arrested in connection with a vote on independence that Spanish authorities are challenging as illegal. The demonstrators, who met at the gates of Catalonia’s judicial body in Barcelona, answered a call by pro-independence civic groups to stage long-term street protests against the police surprise crackdown one day earlier. Read full article

Comments

Disclaimer & comment rules

Terence
Which all goes to show Spain is a sham democracy, only pretended to be one to get into the EU....can anyone imagine how they would 'punish' the people of Gibraltar if they ever got their brutal hands on it?
Sep 22nd, 2017 - 09:42 am - Link - Report abuse +2
-+
EscoSesDoidao
https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2017/09/francoist-clampdown-catalonia/
Sep 22nd, 2017 - 09:45 am - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
Conqueror
This is just one demonstration of the old imperialist attitudes in Europe. Another is the facade of democracy overlying the new Franco-German empire. It won't last. The French, despite their claims to “liberty, equality, fraternity” are basically weak and indolent. Might the Visegrad grouping herald a new Hungarian empire?

It is slightly incredible that a group that titles itself the “Popular Party” descends to levels of action reminiscent of the Gestapo and the SS. As I recall, the matter of “Scottish independence” was dealt with, temporarily at least, in a civilised and mature fashion. No-one was arrested or imprisoned for simply enabling a vote. Demonstrating how the greater part of the UK is different to Europe. Spain should learn.

I'm sure we can now see a reasonable justification for new and more capable destroyers, submarines, aircraft carriers, frigates and military aircraft. In a recent comment, a senior UK military officer remarked that UK forces are quite capable of crippling Spain. Obviously a warning of the likely response if Spain attempts to impose itself on Gibraltar. Theresa May might not wish, currently, to threaten a European “partner” and a supposed NATO “ally”. However, it's hard to recall the last time that the Spanish engaged in an armed conflict. Spain is no more than a European argentina. All mouth.

Catalans are quite clearly different. One has only to look at history to see that. Its possible desire for independence should be respected. Spain could usefully recall the provisions regarding self-determination in the UN Charter that it signed. But then Spain has never respected anything that it didn't see as being in its interest unless someone with a big stick was standing behind it. Witness the fact that, just like argentina, it refuses to take its territorial claims to the ICJ. And the political puppet that is the ECJ appointed a Spanish judge in a dispute where any honest body would see a basic conflict of interest.
Sep 22nd, 2017 - 03:44 pm - Link - Report abuse +3
-+
Marti Llazo
Without the Països Catalans, the economic powerhouse for Spain, the country would go bankrupt rather quickly.
Sep 22nd, 2017 - 04:08 pm - Link - Report abuse +2
-+
Clyde15
Skippy von Braun

Have you missed this one from your Trollfest posts? Not in the Americas or S.Atlantic.

No, wait a moment, you could not criticise a Spanish speaking country.

I am SO disappointed in you. I have always thought you were the shining beacon of impartiality and moderation
Sep 25th, 2017 - 10:15 am - Link - Report abuse +2
-+

Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!