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Graphic shows map of marches making their way to Barcelona ahead of major demonstration and general strike on Oct 18.
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Spain braced for more unrest in Catalonia

By Jordi Bou

October 16, 2019 - Spanish authorities are bracing for further unrest after demonstrations over the jailing of nine separatist leaders erupted into violent clashes in a number of cities across Catalonia.

Protesters blocked roads and cut train services across the north-eastern region after the Catalan leaders were sentenced to between nine and 13 years in prison on Monday over their role in a failed attempt to break away from Spain in 2017.

After their sentencing, Spain’s Supreme Court issued a European arrest warrant for Catalonia’s former leader, Carles Puigdemont, who lives in self-imposed exile in Belgium.

Health authorities say they treated 125 people, both police and protesters, during a raging street battle Tuesday night.

Spain’s Interior Ministry says that 54 members of Catalonia’s regional police force and 18 National Police officers were also hurt.

In the latest protest action, pro-independence crowds set off from several municipalities in Catalonia on marches that aim to reach Barcelona on Friday, when supporters of independence and local labour unions have called for a general strike and demonstrations in Catalonia.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 16/10/2019; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Associated Press
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