Pro-independence supporters ready to “defend the Parliament”

Pro-independence supporters in Catalonia are set to take to the streets on Friday in yet another crucial push in support of their political leaders. All eyes are set on two chambers: the Catalan Parliament, where lawmakers will vote on a declaration of independence, and the Spanish Senate, which will authorize president Mariano Rajoy to impose direct rule in the region.

Citizens are already surrounding the Catalan chamber in Barcelona amid fears that Spanish police could break into the Parliament to hamper the independence declaration. Still, it is not clear when the first move from Madrid will come once the Spanish government is authorized to suspend self-rule in Catalonia.