Profile
    Log In
    Sign up
    This site uses cookies. By accepting cookies you can optimise your browsing experience. Read more.
      Profile
      Log In
      Sign up
      Spain: Motorway blocked with burning tires in Catalan separatist trial protest near Girona01:01

      Spain: Motorway blocked with burning tires in Catalan separatist trial protest near Girona

      Spain, Girona
      PoliticsEN ESPAÑOL
      February 21, 2019 at 10:09 GMT +00:00 · Published

      Pro-Catalan independence activists set fire to tires on the AP7 motorway near Girona on Thursday, in protest against the ongoing trial of a dozen Catalan leaders and politicians in Madrid.

      The fiery blockade caused traffic to come to a standstill in both directions of the motorway, with lorries and cars stuck in a kilometre-long tailback.

      The demonstrations are part of a general strike called throughout Catalonia that has seen barricades erected all along the motorway as well as similar actions on the railways.

      Former Catalan vice president Oriol Junqueras, former interior minister Joaquim Forn, and former president of the Catalan parliament Carme Forcadell are among a dozen figures facing charges for their part in the 2017 referendum and subsequent push for independence from Spain.

      Nine of the defendants are charged with rebellion, while other charges include sedition and misuse of public funds. If convicted, the Catalan leaders on trial face up to 25 years in jail.

      Spain: Motorway blocked with burning tires in Catalan separatist trial protest near Girona01:01
      No Account? Sign up!
      Description

      Pro-Catalan independence activists set fire to tires on the AP7 motorway near Girona on Thursday, in protest against the ongoing trial of a dozen Catalan leaders and politicians in Madrid.

      The fiery blockade caused traffic to come to a standstill in both directions of the motorway, with lorries and cars stuck in a kilometre-long tailback.

      The demonstrations are part of a general strike called throughout Catalonia that has seen barricades erected all along the motorway as well as similar actions on the railways.

      Former Catalan vice president Oriol Junqueras, former interior minister Joaquim Forn, and former president of the Catalan parliament Carme Forcadell are among a dozen figures facing charges for their part in the 2017 referendum and subsequent push for independence from Spain.

      Nine of the defendants are charged with rebellion, while other charges include sedition and misuse of public funds. If convicted, the Catalan leaders on trial face up to 25 years in jail.

      TrendingView all videos
      Top downloads in last 24 hours
      01:42
      Canada: Niagara Falls partially freezes as winter storm brings bitter coldCanada: Niagara Falls partially freezes as winter storm brings bitter cold
      February 23, 2021 at 23:47 GMT +00:00
      Pool for subscribers only
      01:45
      Germany: Syrian man convicted of crimes against humanity in landmark German trialGermany: Syrian man convicted of crimes against humanity in landmark German trial
      February 24, 2021 at 10:18 GMT +00:00
      06:04
      Iranian champion weightlifting youth dreams of future Olympic titleIranian champion weightlifting youth dreams of future Olympic title
      February 24, 2021 at 09:12 GMT +00:00
      01:59
      Japan: Dozens of households told to leave as wildfire spreads through Mount RyogaiJapan: Dozens of households told to leave as wildfire spreads through Mount Ryogai
      February 24, 2021 at 16:23 GMT +00:00
      04:31
      No money for the gym? No problem - This Chinese fitness expert will help you work out your workout issuesNo money for the gym? No problem - This Chinese fitness expert will help you work out your workout issues
      February 24, 2021 at 07:27 GMT +00:00
      02:31
      USA: Father-son duo invent desk to protect children during school shootingsUSA: Father-son duo invent desk to protect children during school shootings
      February 24, 2021 at 10:41 GMT +00:00
      04:46
      They see me rolling - Guangdong skater girl goes viral with amazing freeline skating skillsThey see me rolling - Guangdong skater girl goes viral with amazing freeline skating skills
      February 23, 2021 at 14:38 GMT +00:00
      04:55
      Don't have a cow, man! The Indian harvest festival taking the bull by the hornsDon't have a cow, man! The Indian harvest festival taking the bull by the horns
      February 23, 2021 at 11:57 GMT +00:00
      Pool for subscribers only
      00:06
      Ukraine: Pedestrian hit and injured by block of falling ice in KievUkraine: Pedestrian hit and injured by block of falling ice in Kiev
      February 24, 2021 at 07:31 GMT +00:00
      02:06
      Spain: Protesters throw bottles at police in Barcelona as unrest over rapper's jailing continuesSpain: Protesters throw bottles at police in Barcelona as unrest over rapper's jailing continues
      February 24, 2021 at 02:58 GMT +00:00
      02:17
      Ukraine: Clashes erupt between nationalist protesters and police outside president's office in KievUkraine: Clashes erupt between nationalist protesters and police outside president's office in Kiev
      February 23, 2021 at 22:18 GMT +00:00
      03:28
      Italy: Entertainment workers call for govt to help sector at Rome protestItaly: Entertainment workers call for govt to help sector at Rome protest
      February 24, 2021 at 04:50 GMT +00:00
      02:47
      Armenia: Protesters block traffic in Yerevan street at rally against PM PashinyanArmenia: Protesters block traffic in Yerevan street at rally against PM Pashinyan
      February 23, 2021 at 23:13 GMT +00:00
      Pool for subscribers only
      01:08
      Spain: Firefighters rescue dog trapped between rocks in PizarraSpain: Firefighters rescue dog trapped between rocks in Pizarra
      February 24, 2021 at 00:04 GMT +00:00
      Pool for subscribers only
      02:29
      New Zealand: 40 beached pilot whales cared for by volunteers but concerns remainNew Zealand: 40 beached pilot whales cared for by volunteers but concerns remain
      February 23, 2021 at 13:24 GMT +00:00
      01:52
      Japan: Wildfires scorch 765,000 sq m as efforts to contain flames continue near AshikagaJapan: Wildfires scorch 765,000 sq m as efforts to contain flames continue near Ashikaga
      February 25, 2021 at 02:18 GMT +00:00
      02:16
      Georgia: Thousands protest in Tbilisi after arrest of opposition leaderGeorgia: Thousands protest in Tbilisi after arrest of opposition leader
      February 23, 2021 at 16:31 GMT +00:00
      03:13
      UAE: STREIT Group unveils electric armoured vehicle at Abu Dhabi arms expoUAE: STREIT Group unveils electric armoured vehicle at Abu Dhabi arms expo
      February 23, 2021 at 17:13 GMT +00:00
      Pool for subscribers only
      00:59
      Guatemalan football player takes simulation to new level faking he was hit by objectGuatemalan football player takes simulation to new level faking he was hit by object
      February 23, 2021 at 19:06 GMT +00:00
      02:20
      Ecuador: Relatives gather outside Guayaquil prison after at least 21 inmates die in riotEcuador: Relatives gather outside Guayaquil prison after at least 21 inmates die in riot
      February 24, 2021 at 02:04 GMT +00:00
      Pool for subscribers only
      04:41
      Germany: Berlin zoo welcomes first baby gorilla in 16 yearsGermany: Berlin zoo welcomes first baby gorilla in 16 years
      February 23, 2021 at 19:18 GMT +00:00
      View all videos