Catalan Solidarity: Demonstrators Blocked from Celebrating Women's Day In Barcelona By Mossos D'Esquadra

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Demonstrators Blocked from Celebrating Women's Day In Barcelona By Mossos D'Esquadra

As International Women's Day in Catalonia got underway it was clear from the high level of 'MOSSOS D'ESQUADRA' that something was developing. The national Catalan march and rally was organised by Plataforma Revolucionària Antipatriarcal (Anti-Patriarchal Revolutionary Platform) hundreds gathered at la Plaça Universitat to participate in the annual event.

The demonstration was as ever very vocal, angry, yet good humored however as it headed in the direction of Les Rambles the atmosphere was changing by the minute. At Les Rambles lines of Mossos in full Riot dress then read out a statement telling those in attendance to carry on to the next street as we were unable to carry on through Les Rambles as in previous years, however this suggestion was rejected completely.

As we began to protest by calling slogans at being refused access to Les Rambles, as discussion took place as to what direction we should take it was decided that we continue the original route down Les Rambles. As several Mossos taunted those taking part by pushing and using threatening gestures two baton charges were directed at those taking part in the International Women's Day celebrations. In doing so many had been assaulted at which it was decided to call off the demonstration so as people wouldn't be subjected to further violence by the thugs of the Mossos D'Esquadra.

View more by going to: http://antipatriarcal.wordpress.com/

Support that Political Prisoners receive from inside Catalonia

Catalan Solidarity has been inspired by the work of Catalan Anti-Repressive organisations such as Alerta Solidària and Rescat, who were set up with the aim of supporting Catalan people who have been imprisoned by the Spanish government for politically motivated activism. Following mass arrests and imprisonment of activists connected to the independentists and anti-fascist movements an informal collective came together to provide both practical support to prisoners and challenge the media portrayal of such individuals which had been fuelled throughout the Spanish mainland by a government, media and police conspiracy. As well as offering practical support and advice to imprisoned Catalans, their supporters and those awaiting trial, Rescat has been involved in high profile demonstrations, including those in front of the main court in Madrid where people have been judged, actions to support political prisoners who are on hunger strike and events to raise awareness of the political situation in Catalonia.