Supporters of Catalan independence take part in a protest to mark the second anniversary of the Oct 1 illegal referendum of independence in Barcelona
BARCELONA, Oct 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Spanish authorities are bracing for potentially violent protests in Catalonia as the region counts down to the possible jailing of separatist leaders.
Spain’s Supreme Court is expected to announce by Oct 16 its much-awaited verdict in the case of 12 separatist leaders for their role in a banned referendum and short-lived independence declaration in 2017. Jail terms of up to 25 years are possible.
Catalan separatism has always prided itself on being a peaceful movement and its leaders say that has not changed.
But there are concerns in Madrid that possibly heavy jail sentences for the separatist leaders could unleash pent-up frustration among a radicalised fringe, a senior parliamentary source said.
Underlining fears that some independence supporters are becoming disillusioned with mainstream secessionist parties, police last month arrested seven activists on charges of bomb-making and preparing violent acts for around the time of the verdict.
A new group, Tsunami Democratic, has emerged, advocating more active forms of civil disobedience.
As a precaution, Catalan riot police have been equipped with heavier and taller security barriers to protect officers and which protesters cannot throw or climb over, police sources said.
Tear and pepper gas have been authorised in Catalonia since 2012 but are used only in exceptional circumstances, police sources said. They will however be ready for protests after the trial verdict if needed, the sources said.
Sources in Spain’s interior ministry said the government had already deployed an unspecified number of police reinforcements to Catalonia and could send more if the regional force asks for help.
In Madrid, the acting Socialist government, which opposes independence for Catalonia, as do all mainstream parties, says it is ready to overrule the Catalan government and take direct control – as its conservative predecessor did in 2017 after the failed independence bid – if regional leaders break the law after the verdict. — NNN-AGENCIES
