MADRID (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 30th September, 2018) At least 24 people were injured during Saturday rallies and clashes with police in Barcelona ahead of the one-year anniversary of Catalonia's independence referendum, according to medics.
The city hosted on Saturday a demonstration of pro-independence protesters as well as a rally of the Jusapol police association calling for a pay raise for police officers. A group of supporters of the region's independence tried to head toward the police rally, but the security forces attempted to block the road which led to the clashes. Also, clashes between protesters occurred in different places of Barcelona.
A total of 19 people received medical help on the spot, while the condition of one person is assessed as moderately severe.
In addition, the police said that six people were detained as a result of the clashes.
The independence referendum was held on October 1, 2017, with 90 percent of the voters supporting Catalonia's secession from Spain. On October 27, 2017, the Catalan government proclaimed the region's independence, however, the Spanish government refused to accept the results of the referendum and imposed direct rule over Catalonia, dissolving the Catalan parliament and striping the local government of power.
