Protest Planned Over Alleged Excessive Force
The Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC) has announced a protest for Tuesday 15 September at 8:00 PM in front of the Mossos d'Esquadra police station on Travessera de les Corts in Barcelona. The demonstration, under the slogan "End Police Impunity: Parlon Resign", follows the detention of 18 people – including 10 minors – during unrest after the 11 September Diada events. According to the ANC, the regional police used disproportionate force during arrests near Arc de Triomf, including physical violence and ground restraints against already contained groups that posed no threat. The organisation cited reports of officers making intimidating remarks such as "if you move, I’ll crush your fingers" and "this kid needs a slap to end the nonsense".
Delayed Notification to Families Criticised
The ANC also criticised the failure to inform families of detained minors for over six hours after their arrest. All 18 individuals were released by Saturday. The organisation stated it would explore all legal avenues and support affected families. "Repression remains more alive than ever in our country," the ANC said, adding that such incidents strengthen the independence movement’s resolve.
Political and Institutional Backlash
The ANC has linked its protest to ongoing fortnightly demonstrations at Via Laietana against repression by Spain’s National Police. It described acts of police violence against independence supporters as ongoing, not new. The incident has drawn criticism from Junts and the CUP, both of which have questioned the conduct of the Mossos and demanded accountability from the Interior department. Òmnium Cultural and Alerta Solidària have also condemned the police response, calling for an investigation into potential arbitrary detentions.
"The ANC defends the right to non-violent protest and demands that Catalonia’s police carry out their duties with respect for fundamental rights,"
the organisation said in a statement on social media. The Mossos d'Esquadra confirmed 18 arrests and nine officers injured after clashes broke out following an anti-fascist demonstration in central Barcelona. Initial reports indicate that objects and chairs were thrown at police, and several bins were set on fire near Passeig de Sant Joan and Arc de Triomf.
Primary sources: govern.cat, Dep. Interior Generalitat Catalunya. Reported by elnacional.cat, vilaweb.cat, VilaWeb, rac1.cat, 3Cat, diaridetarragona.com, rtve.es, barna.news, en.ara.cat, telecinco.es, El País, infobae.com, russpain.com, elcatalan.es, Racó Català.
