₦airaland Forum

hopilo:
Around one million Catalans rallied in Barcelona on Monday, waving red and yellow striped flags and banging drums, in a show of support for independence after Madrid moved to block a referendum on the region's split from Spain.

Sept. 11 marks the 'Diada', Catalonia's national day, which commemorates the fall of Barcelona to Spain in 1714 and is traditionally used by pro-independence activists to call for secession for the northeastern region with a distinct language.

However, this year's event had particular significance as a show of strength for the independence movement just three weeks ahead of a referendum on the issue which Madrid has declared illegal and taken steps to obstruct in the courts.

Demonstrators climbed on each others' shoulders to form human towers, a Catalan tradition, while others carried banners reading 'We're going to be a free country!' and 'Full of hope' while wearing fluorescent yellow t-shirts with the word 'yes'.

City police said on Twitter that around one million people took part, one of the highest turn-outs in recent years. Protesters said they hoped the vote would go ahead as planned on Oct. 1.

"We hope that we will be able to hold the referendum with total normality, because in a democracy it is normal to be able to vote," said German Freixas, a 42-year-old engineer accompanying his family to the rally.

"If the people want it to happen, it will go ahead."

The Constitutional Court last Thursday suspended the referendum after a legal challenge by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. Police have since searched newspaper offices and printers for signs of any preparation for the referendum.

The head of Catalonia's regional government, Carles Puigdemont, told journalists on Monday: "It's not an option that the referendum won't go ahead. It's 20 days away and we've already overcome many hurdles."

Puigdemont is facing criminal charges of misuse of public money, disobedience and abuse of office for organising the referendum. He is prepared to go to prison, he has said.

A majority of Catalonia's mayors have so far said they will allow the use of municipal facilities for the vote. The mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, said on Monday she would do everything possible to allow people to vote but would not put civil servants' jobs at risk.

Polls have shown support for independence waning in recent years with those wanting a separate state in a minority. However, a majority of Catalans want to vote on the issue.

At a peaceful march in August, convened as a show of unity in the wake of Islamist attacks that killed 16, mostly in Barcelona, the king and Rajoy were booed and jeered by the crowds in a show of resentment towards Madrid.

Protesters on Monday held a minute of silence for the victims of the attacks.
http://reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/news-k2/item/3339-around-one-million-rally-for-catalan-independence-from-spain

freddywells81:
I hope say Sergio Ramos dey there?

gistking22:
Hkn Boss, Davido Adeleke have just Wowed his fans after shopping at a wear it all men luxury boutique in lekki.
The picture was posted by the CEO of the boutique mr tunde wear it all.
Click to see more pictures;
http://www.gistking.com/davido-spends-8-2million-just-14-items-boutique/

Ratello:
You sound too much like a kid perhaps you are. Yet they held the "sophisticated Nigeria" for 30 full months with the "imaginary 50 cutlasses" kid grow up and stop being foolish online because you are known already through your comments. Don't bother to reply pls just pick the lessons that it is not compulsory to comment when not necessary.

nairanaira12:
So, can these stop military operations? What do they have aside from loud mouth, chest beating and maybe cutlass? It is surprising how things like this make you feel big. Did you even attend school at all?

vedaxcool:
[s][/s]

You need a brain to understand anything. ... here

soberdrunk:
Which state is this?

vedaxcool:
[s][/s]
Your pains is in superlativea and ignorance hyperlative.

vedaxcool:
[s][/s]

Not every rubbish the devils whispers to ones conscience should be written down

DabuIIIT:
CHAAATAAAP DIA! Were u not the one eulogising the vegetable the othe day for watching Nig vs Cam in a "HUMBLE BEDROOM WITH POOR MAN VCR"
yoruba
HYPOCRITE,e dey una blood

the efo riro might still win cos he has inec and a4onjas in his pocket..

lafflaff123:
I am looking at 3 or 5 both look a little mature.

“But God answered the prayers of many Nigerians the rainy season last year was good and this year with the report I’m getting is good. We thank God for that otherwise there would have been a lot of problems in this country.”
This, he said, has led to good harvest and prevent famine in the country.