Clashes at protest for rapper Pablo Hasel's release in Terrassa
At least seven people arrested as rally descends into violence
A demonstration calling for the release of rapper Pablo Hasel in Terrassa has descended into violent clashes between protesters and police on Friday evening.
A number of protesters in the city located in Vallès Occidental county, not far from Barcelona, threw stones, firecrackers, eggs, cans and other objects at the officers surrounding the Spanish police station, who retaliated by charging at them.
As has been the case at the many other protests held throughout Catalonia in the days following the musician's arrest, dumpsters have been used as barricades and set on fire. At least 7 people have been arrested.
Who is Pablo Hasel?
Pablo Rivadulla Duró, or Pablo Hasel as he is more commonly known, is a rapper from the Catalan city of Lleida who was arrested on February 16 to serve time behind bars after being found guilty of glorifying terrorism and slander against the monarchy in his songs and tweets.
How long Hasel will end up spending in prison is not yet clear as he has other ongoing legal issues, but he has been sentenced to two years and nine months for the two separate cases for which he is currently in jail.
The rapper's imprisonment has reignited the debate on freedom of expression in Spain and its so-called 'gag law' as many of Hasel's sympathizers argue it is not enforced fairly.