Catalonia on strike in protest against Spain’s police violence
“Stoppage of a country” backed by the Catalan government, many businesses and even FC Barcelona
Catalonia shut down for a day on Tuesday in protest against Spain’s police violence during the independence referendum. The strike, labelled as a “stoppage of a country,” is backed by the Catalan administration both at the national and local levels, and by many businesses as well.
Still, people did not stay home: thousands took to the streets throughout the day all across the country to condemn the police intervention on Sunday, which left 894 injured. Despite the violent crackdown, 2.26 people cast their vote. Following the “yes” victory, the Catalan government announced that it would carry on with independence plans.
“Once again, we call citizens to peacefully demonstrate the civic coexistence we have in this country”
Dolors Bassa · Catalan Minister for Work
The Catalan government called protesters to keep peaceful on Tuesday. “Once again, we call citizens to peacefully demonstrate the civic coexistence we have in this country,” said Dolors Bassa, the Catalan Minister for Work.
More than 70% of public workers joined the strike, according to the Catalan government. The public transport in Barcelona was operating below capacity, and other public sectors — such as hospitals — offered minimum services.
FC Barcelona on strike
World-renowned institutions in Catalonia are on strike as well: for instance, Football Club Barcelona. None of the professional teams nor the youth teams will train on the day, and the Tour Camp Nou Experience and the Museum remained closed as well.
- People take to the streets to protest police violence (by ACN)
