Tension between unionist and pro-independence activists

Despite the many calls to put aside political conflicts and disagreements on the first anniversary of the August 17 terror attacks last year, unionist and pro-independence supporters nevertheless clashed in the centre of Barcelona on Friday.

Members of the CDR pro-independence group protesting on Barcelona’s La Rambla, near to the site of the official commemoration, clashed with a march organized by the Spanish Monarchic Union in support of King Felipe VI, who attended the remembrance event.

Tensions between the two groups arose when some demonstrators in favor of the king attempted to remove some of the banners and flags carried by the pro-independence supporters. This led to some pushing and shoving but without it escalating into violence.