Catalonia film by Reel News. Speakers from the CUP and ANC
*Reports from the Catalan referendum and general strike with a film from Reel News and speakers from ANC (Catalan National Assembly) and CUP – two of the organisations at the centre of the movement for Catalan self-determination***
In Catalonia a referendum was held on 1 October on independence (an idea supported by 80% of the Catalan people, regardless of whether they are for or against independence). The Spanish state declared the referendum illegal, and used mass violence against peaceful voters, as well as trying to stop the referendum through the courts and online attacks. The suspension of democracy sparked a mass movement that took up the slogan "the streets will always be ours".
This movement has been developing into the one of the most impressive movements for real democracy in Europe in many years. However, since the referendum and the 90% Yes vote, there are new discussions among Catalans about how to advance now President Puigdemont suspended a Declaration of Independence, large corporations are relocating their headquarters outside the territory and the Spanish government has announced suppression of Catalan self-rule.
Come and see a new film of the astonishing events as they unfolded in Catalonia, hear speakers from organisations at the centre of the struggle, and join in discussion about what could and should happen now, as well as how we can deliver practical solidarity to a movement facing an increasingly authoritarian state with full backing from the EU.
Introduced by Reel News
Speakers:
Seila Becerra, secretary of the ANC England
Ona Curto Graupera, member of CUP exterior