Catalan protests: Region’s president urges immediate halt to violence

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – The president of Spain’s Catalonia region has called for an immediate halt to violence, as protests continued for a third night.

“We condemn violence… This has to stop right now,” Quim Torra said.

On Wednesday, protesters set up burning barricades and hurled projectiles at police in Barcelona, the capital of the autonomous region in the north-east.

Monday’s sentencing of nine separatist leaders triggered protests in support of Catalonia’s independence.

Protesters have reportedly been using an app known as Tsunami Democratic, which directs them to protest sites in Catalan cities.

What did the Catalan president say?

In a televised statement, Mr Torra said: “We will not permit incidents like those we are seeing in the streets.

“This has to stop right now. There is no reason nor justification for burning cars, nor any other vandalism.”

(Agencies)