/

Protest against separatists' sentencing sets Barcelona streets ablaze

17 October 2019
11343
2019-10-17 14:02

in the Spanish city of Barcelona, protesters set cars on fire and threw petrol bombs at police on Wednesday night. the unrest was sparked by the sentencing of Catalan separatist leaders who had sought to declare an independent state.

Divisions over a drive to split the northeastern region of Catalonia from Spain roiled the country in 2017, and re-surfaced on Monday when the Supreme Court sentenced nine politicians and activists to up to 13 years in jail. Peaceful demonstration throughout Wednesday deteriorated after nightfall into clashes between police and protesters, prompting regional government leader to demand an immediate return to normality.

-- End --