Cartoonists condemn violation of freedom of expression in Catalonia

More than 20 cartoon artists from all over the world have condemned what they call the violation of the freedom of expression in Catalonia. The cartoonists, whose illustrations have been collected in the publication ‘Illegal Times’ are protesting human rights’ violations in general, but in particular the violation of the freedom of expression in Catalonia.

‘Illegal Times’ has also published articles by more than 20 representatives of the cultural and media sphere, such as Jaume Cabré, Pepa Plana, Natza Farré, Arcadi Oliveres and Ramón Cotarelo.

‘Illegal Times’ arises out of “outrage”

One of the promoters, cartoonist Jaume Capdevila (Kap), said the project arose from “outrage” and a wish to “condemn an exceptional and complicated situation.” Capdevila noted that ‘Illegal Times’ includes "diverse voices” aimed at making the public feel the need to “wake up and raise awareness” because “rights must be defended collectively.”

According to the 'Illegal Times' editorial, the publication aims to “condemn attacks on collective and individual rights, including the freedom of expression. We do so with the pen as the only weapon.” Its promoters say that the ‘Illegal Times’ is a “collective a diverse reporting, that uses satire, reviews all rights that are being taken away and focuses on the consequences of censorship and on the deterioration of the right of freedom of expression.”