Charges by the Mossos against the anti-fascists who wanted to reach a neo-Nazi rally
Several journalists identified as press have also suffered blows during police charges
BarcelonaBarcelona has experienced a tense afternoon due to a clash between two opposing demonstrations. The Mossos d'Esquadra have dispersed with baton blows several anti-fascist demonstrators who wanted to overcome a police cordon separating them from another concentration of the neo-Nazi group Núcleo Nacional, in front of the Spanish government's delegation in Catalonia.
The neo-Nazis had gathered at 8 p.m. at the corner of Mallorca and Roger de Llúria streets. The anti-fascists, for their part, set out at half past seven from Plaça Tetuan, marched up Passeig de Sant Joan chanting slogans like "Barcelona will be the tomb of fascism", "No Nazis" or "He who sows misery reaps rage". When they reached the same point where the neo-Nazi group was, they tried to approach the Delegation via Mallorca street.
However, at the intersection of Mallorca, Bailèn, and Diagonal, a riot control cordon prevented the approach of anti-fascists, around 800, according to the Guardia Urbana. It is at this point that moments of tension have occurred between the officers and the anti-fascist demonstrators. The Mossos charged with baton blows against the left-wing demonstrators. The Catalan police also struck several journalists who were identified as press. According to the Mossos d'Esquadra force, the police used police defense "selectively and punctually" in the face of "attempts" to cross the police line. The demonstrators retaliated with blows and kicks.
Finally, the anti-fascists have crossed Diagonal to Joanic square, where they have given some speeches and have called off the mobilization. The neo-Nazis have not moved and have addressed the collective with speeches against immigration, insecurity, and the Spanish government.
Eight neo-Nazis identified
Around 9:30 PM, the Mossos identified at least 8 neo-Nazis from Núcleo Nacional at the intersection of Provença and Girona, as the ACN has learned. Police sources explained that "no significant incidents were recorded," except for the arrest of a man unrelated to the demonstrations, due to two outstanding arrest warrants. According to the Mossos, four officers were injured.
