2,000 unionists demonstrate in Barcelona centre against independence movement

The centre of Barcelona was filled with supporters of a unified Spanish state this Sunday. The protest made a clear warning to the Spanish president Pedro Sánchez: "no pacts with terrorists or separatists."

This was the main theme of the demonstration against Catalan independence, called and supported by Spanish businessman José Manuel Opazo, as well as the far-right Vox party. Opazo is the man president Quim Torra once called "the beast in human form."

Around 60 other unionist associations backed the 2,000 strong march. Demonstrators filled Paral·lel Avenue in the heart of the capital, waving Spanish flags, and carrying banners with slogans against separatism.

Anti-fascists organized a counter-march. There was tension for a when both groups confronted, with insults being thrown back and forth. Heavy police presence kept things under control.

The unionist march comes two days before Catalonia's National Day, when a massive pro-independence demonstration is set to take place. 400,000 people have already signed up to take part. Last year around one million people in favour of a Catalan republic partook in it.