Catalonia and Struggle for Freedom.
From Spanish Civil War to 21st century. Catalonians have one demand. Freedom.
Welcome to: Season 2 — Episode 1.
“All the war-propaganda, all the screaming and lies and hatred, comes invariably from people who are not fighting” ~ George Orwell “Homage to Catalonia”
HASHTAGS: #Catalunya #Catalunyareferendum #Forzacatalunya
BRIEF
“Franco would be proud” is the first thought you get when you see photos of police beating people at poll stations in Barcelona. On October 1st, thousands of Catalans lined up to vote for independence of their region. The elections were organised on behalf of the local Catalan government. But were rejected by the Central Spanish authorities in Madrid.
Despite of all efforts of Spanish authorities to prevent the referendum. Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont said “the citizens of Catalonia have won the right to an independent state in the form of a republic”.
When citizens do not obey the orders of those in power, those in power send police. That’s how violence started across Catalonia and particularly in Barcelona where police hit, dragged and pushed peaceful citizens who came to vote for freedom.
In the opposite camp, those against the referendum took the streets too.
Firefighters moved to protect voters and stood between police batons and voters. (It seems professions with courageous and honest people still exist)
Results
Hours later the Catalan government claimed 90 percent of voters backed independence and a turnout of 42.3 percent, with parties opposed boycotting the vote.
It was certain that after the police violence that Barcelona witnessed on 1st October, the first demand of local government would be the withdrawal of national police from Catalonia.
In total 893 people had to get medical treatment after the police use of force.
What’s happening now?
Authorities in Madrid don’t give up. The Prime Minister Rajoy made an unprecedented move to suspend Catalan parliament, sack every politician who helped people to organise referendum and announce regional elections to be held within next six months.
In response local activists from far-left organisations, student and teacher unions, firefighters and many others are still protesting, blocking police HQs.
Catalonia’s foreign minister said that “Madrid cannot stop the decision that was made by 7 million people”.
As of October 25, Catalan Prime Minister Carles Puigdemont called for local parliament to gather to make a decision on how to respond to Madrid.
“Our unity can’t be stopped by police batons. We wanted independence for far too long.”
~ Student, Barcelona
You can see number of firefighters in the crowd. They are being treated as heroes of the region right now. Their bravery and loyalty to public is much appreciated by everybody.
What Do Protesters Say?
“This is the strongest oppression Catalunya faced since Dictator Franco. We are not going to tolerate this, if they think we will back up — they are wrong.”
Student, Barcelona
“We are together Teachers, Firefighters, Students, Unions. We will fight for our rights”
Teacher, Barcelona
“We have got our first political prisoners. What’s next?”
Photographer, Barcelona
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ABOUT: Homeland is not a Series
Each week, people around the world take streets of their cities to remind their governments that their voices matter. In this series I want to collect the best images from protests around the world.
