Political leaders stress ‘peace’ in commemorating terror victims

Catalan president Quim Torra praised the official event on Friday in Barcelona honoring the victims of the August 17 terror attacks last year, calling the discreet tone of the remembrance “correct”. The event aimed to avoid politics and focus on the victims of the attacks despite the presence of some pro-Spanish protestors expressing support for King Felipe VI.

Torra introduces wife of jailed lead to king of Spain

Torra said the presence of Spanish flags did not bother him, citing respect for “freedom of expression,” and the president added that he took advantage of the king’s attendance to introduce him to Laura Masvidal, the wife of the jailed former Catalan interior minister, Joaquim Forn. However, Felipe “didn’t say anything” on taking Masvidal’s hand, said Torra.

Earlier, the president made special mention of Forn in a speech on the first anniversary of the terror attacks in which he said “democracy always defeats terror.” Accompanied by the entire Catalan government, Torra referred to Catalonia as “peaceful and welcoming” with “an integrated and brave society ready to combat barbarism and intolerance.”