[Barcelona 17th Reuters]-In Barcelona, the capital city of Catalonia in northeastern Spain, the 4th day of the protest was protested against local politicians who forced a referendum to ask for independence. Thousands come out on the streets and are developing into the longest riots in the past decades.
At first, it was a peaceful scene, with young people wearing the Catalan flag gathered together to throw balls and jump ropes. However, the atmosphere changed completely, as the chairs of the cafe on Las Ramblas lined with fashionable shops in the center of sightseeing in Barcelona were set on fire. There were scenes where many students threw eggs into the police.
Demonstrations are scheduled for Barcelona from all over the state on the 18th, and unions are calling for the general strike.
One girl student protested, "It's not about who is independent or who is not. It's a human rights issue."
The riots associated with the demonstration that took place on the 16th resulted in nearly 100 injuries throughout the state, and cars and trash bins were set on fire.
Economically rich Catalunya's controversy of independence not only bisects the state's public opinion, but also develops into political issues throughout Spain.
As the temporary Prime Minister of Sanchez is preparing for the general election on November 10, the opposition party's right group is putting pressure on the state government to support independence.
On the other hand, the top of the state government expressed the view that a new referendum should be held within two years on the 17th and reiterated the attitude to challenge the central government.