Police investigate death in Barcelona as gender-based violence

Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra police are investigating the death of a woman in the Sant Martí neighborhood in Barcelona on Tuesday morning as a gender-based violence case. 

The victim was seriously injured in a home on Selva de Mar street, and due to the severity of the injuries, passed away a short time later.

Law enforcement agents arrested a 52-year-old man as the alleged perpetrator of the crime.

"There has been a homicide in the context of a couple," and based on the current legislation, this is femicide, Mossos d'Esquadra spokesperson Montserrat Escudé said during a press conference.

Barcelona City Council announced that it will observe a minute's silence tomorrow, Thursday, at 12 midday in Plaça Sant Jaume. 

In a statement the council offered its condolences to the family and friends of the victim, "firmly condemning this murder that violates the most essential human rights." 

"Barcelona City Council reiterates its support for all women who find themselves in these situations, and undertakes, together with the rest of our country's institutions, to continue to make all the necessary efforts to further guarantees regarding women's basic right to live without any manifestation of this violence," the statement reads. 

Women suffering from gender-based violence have the free and confidential hotline +34 900 900 120 available. The emergency services number is 112.