RTTue, 15 Oct 2019 11:48 UTC
© REUTERS / Vincent KesslerFile photo
Following a night of violence across Catalonia in response to the sentencing of the failed secession movement's leadership, more protests have taken place across the region on Tuesday, targeting transport infrastructure.
There were widespread violent clashes across Barcelona on Monday evening with the city's El Prat airport a major flashpoint after nine leaders of the pro-independence movement were handed prison sentences totalling almost 100 years for their role in a failed secession bid in 2017.
So far on Tuesday,
at least 45 flights have been canceled. Meanwhile, multiple highways including the C-17 and C-25 in Gurb, as well as the C-65 near Cassa de Selva, have been blocked off by protesters, while other major transport infrastructure in the region has also been affected.
A group of some 50 students have locked themselves in to the rectory at the University of Lleida. At least three people were arrested on Tuesday morning for their part in various protests targeting transport infrastructure, including the Barcelona city metro.In total, 131 protesters and 40 police officers were injured in the violence on Monday night.The pro-independence group called "Tsunami Democratic" announced via Twitter that it had begun a "cycle of nonviolent civil disobedience" in protest at the Supreme Court convictions, and vowed there would be more protests to come.
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Sporadic clashes ensued on Tuesday evening after protesters gathered at Barcelona's central Carrer de Mallorca street, where a Spanish government building is located.
Live video feed from the city centre shows large groups of protesters attacking police vans as repeated loud explosions are heard in the background and fires can be seen raging on the streets. Riot police charged protesters who threw flares, bottles and attempted to ram down barricades surrounding government buildings.
At least three people who were in the vicinity of the government building have been detained, according to local police.
The Supreme Court declared on Monday that the jailed separatists were involved in "undeniable" acts of violence during Catalonia's attempt to gain independence from Madrid in 2017. Former Catalan premier Carlos Puigdemont, who led the movement for independence, tweeted from exile in Belgium, calling the verdict an "atrocity." Spain, on its part, renewed its bid to get hands on the rogue politician and issued a new European arrest warrant for Puigdemont himself.
With the prison sentences for separatist leaders providing new impetus for the movement, pro-independence figures have promised to continue their push for a new referendum.
One protester lost his eye in clashes between separatists and police at Barcelona airport on Monday night as tensions erupted over the court ruling.
See also:
Spain's suppression of independence movement backfires as Catalan leaders pledge new referendum - Protests rage in Barcelona for second night
Comment: More from RT: See also: Spain's suppression of independence movement backfires as Catalan leaders pledge new referendum - Protests rage in Barcelona for second night