The situation in the Catalan region looks like it’s going to get progressively worse in the immediate future. The Spanish authorities in Madrid have scored a massive own goal by using such heavy-handed tactics against Catalonians who sought to vote in the banned referendum.
Now Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, who is pro-independence, is under even more pressure from his support base to take an even stronger stance in pushing for Catalonia’s separation from Spain.
Meanwhile EU authorities have refused to criticize the shocking brutality of the Spanish police in their suppression of voters.
Around 90% of those who were able to vote opted for independence, however most unionist voters did not take part in the referendum.
A massive strike in the region and a demonstration against the police violence has already taken place in Barcelona.