Hundreds of thousands march in Barcelona to show unity after Islamist attacks

Follow 9News Nigeria On Social Media

Spain's King Felipe (C), Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (3rd L) and Catalan regional president Carles Puigdemont take part in a march of unity after the attacks last week, in Barcelona, Spain, August 26, 2017. REUTERS/Juan Medina
Social sharing

Hundreds of thousands marched in Barcelona in a show of unity on Saturday evening amid chants of ’I am not afraid’ after two Islamist militant attacks in the Spanish region of Catalonia last week left 15 dead.

The march was led by shopkeepers and residents of the city’s well-known Las Ramblas boulevard, where a van ploughed into pedestrians on Aug. 17, killing 13 and injuring over a hundred. The crowd applauded representatives of the police, fire services and medical professions who also led the march.

Spain’s King Felipe, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and the head of Catalonia’s regional government Carles Puigdemont, dressed in dark suits, walked in the throng as people cheered and bore red, yellow and white roses – the colours of Spain’s second-biggest city.

“We are here to say we’re not afraid, we are united and we want peace,” said 59-year-old pensioner Victoria Padilla as she marched. Slogans carried by marchers read “The best answer: peace” and “No to Islamophobia”.

Police estimated the march at half a million people.

Members of Spain’s Islamic community marched alongside the King and Prime Minister Rajoy, including women wearing hijabs. Speakers gave readings next to a floral display with the words ’Barcelona’ and ’I am not afraid’ in different languages including Arabic.

“We have to know how to speak to each other and understand others. Everyone has to learn how to be more human,” said demonstrator Juan Ripoll, 63.

In the run up to the protest, Barcelona mayor Ada Colau called for a massive turnout after what she called a “tough, painful week” which saw two deadly Islamist militant attacks in as many days and an extensive manhunt for those responsible.

In addition to the 13 killed by the van, two others were killed during the driver’s getaway and in a separate car and knife attack in the Catalan coastal resort of Cambrils.

Of the 12 suspects linked to the attacks, six were shot dead by police and two died in an explosion before the van rampage. Two are in custody on charges of murder and membership of a terrorist organisation, and two have been freed on certain conditions.

Source – Reuters

Leave your comment on this post

THE ROTTEN FISH: CAN OF WORMS OPENED OF APC & TINUBU'S GOVERNMENT OVER NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

WATCH THE CRITICAL ANALYSIS AND KNOW THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES TO BLAME FOR NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC CHALLENGES, WHILE CITIZENS ENDURE SEVERE HARDSHIPS.

Watch this episode of ISSUES IN THE NEWS on 9News Nigeria featuring Peter Obi's Special Adviser, Dr Katch Ononuju, 9News Nigeria Publisher, Obinna Ejianya and Tinubu Support Group Leader, McHezekiah Eherechi

The economic crisis and hardship in Nigeria are parts of the discussion.


Watch, leave your comments, and share to create more awareness on this issue.


#9NewsNigeria #Nigeria #issuesInTheNews #politics #tinubu THE ROTTEN FISH: CAN OF WORMS OPENED ...
DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS FOR SUBSEQUENT UPDATES
#9newsnigeria #economia #economy #nigeria #government @9newsng
www.9newsng.com

Leave your comment

Click on the link below or Scan the QR Code to join the 9News Nigeria WhatsApp Channel

9News Nigeria Investigative Reports WhatsApp Channel
9News Nigeria Investigative Reports WhatsApp Channel

Be the first to comment

Leave your comment