BARCELONA – Protesters set cars on fire and threw petrol bombs at the police in this Spanish city, intensifying unrest sparked by the sentencing of Catalan separatist leaders who sought to declare an independent state.
Divisions over a drive to split the northeastern region of Catalonia from Spain roiled the country in 2017, and re-surfaced on Monday when the Supreme Court sentenced nine politicians and activists of up to 13 years in jail.
Peaceful demonstration throughout Wednesday deteriorated after nightfall into clashes between the police and protesters, prompting regional government leader Quim Torra to demand an immediate return to normality.(Reuters)
