Quim Torra: "Violence could hinder our path to independence"

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(CNN) - In an exclusive interview granted to CNN in Spanish in Barcelona, ​​the president of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Quim Torra, wanted to demarcate the violent acts recorded during the last week in the autonomous community. “Violence does not represent me at all, and I condemn it. Moreover, this could hinder our path to independence, ”said Torra when asked about his possible responsibility in the night riots of recent days, after encouraging citizens to exercise civil disobedience.

Protesters took to the streets since Monday of last week, when the Supreme Court sentenced nine Catalan politicians to sentences of 9 to 13 years in prison for sedition and embezzlement, considering that they mobilized citizens to promote the separation of Catalonia from the rest of Spain two years ago.

MIRA: Torra calls for calm in Catalonia

In the heavy riots last week, police confronted protesters, some of whom threw objects at them and also set trash containers on fire. Numerous trees, traffic lights, other public signs and even the pavement were also damaged. The cost for the city so far is equivalent to about US $ 1.7 million.

Torra, harshly criticized in some sectors for calling civil disobedience while sending the Catalan riot police to restore order, blamed this week for the violence to those who, he says, are infiltrators who, in his opinion, try to undermine the independence movement and also urged an end to such actions.

"It is investigating infiltrators and provocateurs ... people who until now we did not know because this had never happened in Catalonia," he said about the protesters who staged clashes with security forces. "Obviously, anyone who has committed a violent act must be punished."

On whether he believes that the communication channels are still open with the president of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, Torra was pessimistic: “I have called Mr. Sánchez three times and he has not been on the phone. Imagine, in this very serious situation for me it is incomprehensible. ”

“President Sánchez wants to focus on the problem of living together and violence in Catalonia. And it is not true. What is here is a problem of democracy, ”he added.

MIRA: Pedro Sánchez travels to Catalonia, but does not meet with Torra

President Sánchez sent a letter to the president of the Catalan government Quim Torra in which he is reminded of the obligations of all public officials: condemn the violence outright; protect the security forces that fight it; and avoid civil discord.

During the 25-minute interview with CNN in Spanish, Torra addressed other aspects of the political and social crisis in Catalonia after the Supreme Court ruling.

The malaise continues installed in the Catalan streets, after the sentences to the independentistas leaders. However, there were also protests of rejection of violence and aspirations of those who want a separation from Spanish territory.