Catalan leader hits out at 'state of emergency' in region

Catalonia's leader has accused the Spanish government of imposing a "de facto state of emergency" in the region with a series of measures to prevent an illegal referendum from taking place.


It comes after Spanish police arrested Catalonia's junior economy minister in their first raid of government offices in the region ahead of the 1 October referendum on independence.

Carles Puigdemont has also claimed the Spanish state had implemented a "de facto suspension of Catalonia's self-governance" by, for instance, tightening control over Catalan finances.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the offices of the regional government's economy ministry in the centre of Barcelona's tourist district, chanting "They will not pass" and "We will vote", a Reuters witness said.

Police efforts to stop a planned vote on splitting from Spain have intensified in recent days as the wealthly northeastern region shows no signs of halting a referendum which the central government says is illegal.
 [rte.ie]
 20/9/17