128 detained in Barcelona after riots, a quarter of them minors

128 detained in Barcelona after riots, a quarter of them minors
128 detained in Barcelona after riots, a quarter of them minors

Law enforcement officers detained 128 people in central Barcelona following mass riots and looting that took place on Saturday. According to authorities, a quarter of those detained are minors.

Course of events in the city centre

The unrest began around 18:00 in the area of Plaça de Catalunya. Groups of young people dressed in black and wearing hoods began destroying street furniture. The situation quickly escalated, turning into violent clashes with the police.

Rioters erected barricades, set fire to rubbish bins, smashed shop windows and threw stones at law enforcement officers. Police were forced to use special means to disperse the crowd.

Consequences of the incident

Fifteen police officers were injured during the overnight events. Approximately 14 shops were also looted. Due to the riots, businesses closed en masse, access to Plaça de Catalunya was restricted, and metro train services were temporarily suspended.

Reaction from authorities

Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni condemned the incidents and promised to hold the perpetrators accountable through the courts. He also warned of possible consequences for the parents of the minor offenders.

Catalan Government President Salvador Illa supported the police actions. In his words, the right to protest is democratic, but violence cannot be justified.

Catalan Interior Minister Nuria Parlon described the events as groundless vandalism.

Authorities specifically emphasised that the riots are not linked to the peaceful camp in support of the right to housing, which has been operating for a long time on Plaça de Catalunya.

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