Civil society protests in support of democracy and referendum

Civil society spoke up on Friday: students, professors, doctors, firefighters, and the clergy have all voiced their support for Catalan institutions, democracy, and the October 1 independence referendum.

Students and professors

The presence of student organizations in the protests in these last few days has already been notable. On Friday, students also occupied the main campus building of the University of Barcelona, while others blocked circulation in one of the busiest streets in the city. All of this, to denounce the Spanish police actions and to support the right to self-determination.

Student-led protests weren’t only seen in the Catalan capital, however. All throughout Catalonia, in other major cities like Girona and Lleida, both students – and teachers – spoke in dissent. Ignasi Aldomá, professor of Geography at the University of Lleida said that “it can’t be” that what the majority of people feel and support receive, as an answer, “political repression” and “police repression,” a response meaning “you don’t exist.”

A warning of criminal charges

This declaration from academic circles also comes against a specific order: for institutions not to encourage or aid participation in October 1 referendum operations. In a letter by Enric Millo, Spanish government delegate in Catalonia, school principals of secondary education institutions were warned that any activity tied to the referendum could incur “criminal” charges. In his letter, Millo justifies this by explaining that as public authorities, they must respect the decisions taken by the Spanish Constitutional Court. Even “tacit” cooperation with referendum activity – like allowing school buildings to be used for the October 1 vote - could lead to the charges of breach of official duty, misappropriation of funds, or disobedience.