Demonstration in Brussels to reject imprisonments underway

Thousands of Catalans are demonstrating in Brussels today to call for the release of Catalan political and social leaders who are currently in prison in Madrid, and to denounce the lack of democracy in Spain.

Wearing yellow scarves, waving pro-independence flags and banners in favour of the release of Catalan officials and pro-independence civic leaders Jordi Sànchez and Jordi Cuixart, the protesters gathered in the early morning at the Parc du Cinquantenaire, in the European quarter and near the headquarters of the EU institutions.

During the demonstration, the protesters walked across the main streets of the European quarter of the Belgian capital. In a call to the European Union to reject the measures Spain has enforced in order to suspend Catalonia’s self-rule and independence roadmap, the march will pass through the headquarters of the European Commission and reach the European Parliament.

“Wake up, Europe”

Called by the pro-independence civil society organizations Catalan National Assembly and Òmnium Cultural under the motto ‘Wake up, Europe’, the Belgian police expected more than 20,000 people at the rally, although the local press expect up to 50,000.

“Biggest demonstration in Brussels in recent years”

According to the organizers, today’s gathering “will be the biggest demonstration in Brussels” in recent years. At a press conference held on Wednesday, representatives from ANC and Òmnium Cultural, whose presidents still remain behind bars, explained the motives behind the protest.

The organizations also invited all parties "who are in favor of independence and sovereignty in general" to participate in the demonstration.