Tension in the center of Barcelona due to a demonstration called on social networks

BarcelonaTension in the center of Barcelona due to a demonstration called through social media, following in the wake of the protests in France and other European countries. The Mossos d'Esquadra and the Guàrdia Urbana are currently maintaining a large deployment in Plaça Catalunya in the Catalan capital and its surroundings to try to control the group of hundreds of young people who have gathered there, most of them dressed in black and wearing hoods.

Around 6:30 PM, the first scuffles and moments of tension were experienced. There have been the first charges and identifications. The police acted after the young people threw objects at the police cordon line. Some of the activists have set fire to trash cans and tipped over parked motorcycles, according to the Efe agency. Meanwhile, the Mossos have shielded Plaça Catalunya by circling with vans and riot police on foot who are trying to disperse the protesters.

In turn, the young people have begun to build a barricade with dumpsters, trash cans, and motorcycles at the intersection of Bergara Street and the square and have tried to set it on fire. There has also been some damage to street furniture.

Police officers have closed the entrances and exits to the metro and the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat, which are not currently stopping at the Catalunya station and passengers are being diverted to other stops.

Social unrest

The protesters are demonstrating due to the social unrest they claim to be suffering and against the system. Like most demonstrations in recent days across Europe, the connection is the price of housing, the cost of living, education, and the perception that governments are not responding to everyday problems. The Mossos point out that the demonstration is not authorized because it had not been previously notified.