Renewed unrest in Barcelona - live updates

Police clash with pro-independence protesters in city center after peaceful demonstration

Burning barricade in the center of Barcelona (by Pol Solà)
Burning barricade in the center of Barcelona (by Pol Solà) / ACN

ACN | Barcelona

October 26, 2019 11:17 PM

Scenes of unrest returned to Barcelona on Saturday night after a peaceful pro-independence demonstration descended into turmoil when protesters gathered in front of the Spanish police headquarters and clashed with officers guarding the building. Police charged protesters, shot foam bullets, and reportedly injured journalists. Barricades were set on fire and at least three people were arrested.

Catalonia saw a week of altercations after Spain's Supreme Court announced the verdict of the Catalan trial on October 14, sentencing 9 pro-independence leaders to lengthy prison terms for their role in the 2017 referendum push. Tensions began cooling down last Saturday, following repeated calls from Catalan politicians to stop altercations.