Student protest in Barcelona turns violent; around 100 arrested
Masked youths set barricades and burned furniture near Vergara Street, forcing shops to close; Catalan president Salvador Illa condemned the violence.
A youth protest in central Barcelona that had been organised through social media escalated into violent clashes with police, the burning of barricades and episodes of looting, authorities and local reports say.
Around 100 people, including 27 minors, were arrested after groups threw objects at officers, set fire to garbage containers and caused damage to shops in the city centre.
Masked groups set up barricades near Vergara Street
Witnesses and local outlets reported that crowds of masked young people erected barricades near Vergara Street and torched pieces of furniture and other debris, prompting nearby businesses to close for safety reasons.
The unrest in Spain comes amid a wider wave of demonstrations and incidents across France and Italy, adding to tensions in several European cities over recent days.
Catalan president Salvador Illa condemned the violence and said that those responsible would face consequences.
Photo: press material from the event
