On Wednesday morning, several hundred people took part in a peaceful, nonviolent protest called by the Catalan National Assembly in Montserrat Square against the visit of the Spanish king—an event that was met with widespread popular rejection.
At 9 a.m., a press conference was held to denounce the presence of the Spanish monarch in a symbolic place for Catalonia, along with the increasing militarisation of the police forces.
Those gathered emphasized their commitment to active nonviolent resistance but made it clear they had no intention of facilitating the monarch’s access to the public space.
For hours, police authorities attempted to negotiate with Assemblea to open a passage allowing the king to drive through the square. The response was unequivocal: the Assemblea’s goal was to prevent the king from passing, and thanks to firm and sustained mobilisation, the king was unable to access the square.
The royal event as originally planned was not possible: the stage prepared for the public act had to be dismantled, and the king was forced to change the venue and enter through the back door—secretly.
Assemblea celebrates the success of the day as a demonstration of civic strength and collective dignity. The people have spoken clearly: the Spanish monarchy is not welcome in Catalonia.
Assemblea is deeply thankful for the calm determination and commitment of all those who participated in this protest. Their presence was key to make visible the Catalan people’s rejection of an imposed institution that is foreign to the country’s democratic will.
Assemblea deeply regrets that the Abbey of Montserrat ignored the assaults suffered by some of the individuals gathered there, including those who required medical attention. It is both surprising and painful that an institution which claims to serve the people has shown no concern for the health or well-being of these individuals.
On June 23rd, in Montserrat, the people made their voices heard, and Assemblea reiterates its commitment to the defence of freedom, democracy and the sovereignty of the Catalan people.