The Government of Catalonia (Generalitat) has authorised judicial proceedings in response to the disturbances that took place in central Barcelona on Saturday 24th October 2026. The decision, approved at a meeting of the Executive Council on Tuesday 27th October, enables the Legal Cabinet of the Generalitat to act as a private prosecutor in criminal cases arising from the incidents. Under Law 7/1996 of 5th July on the organisation of legal services within the Administration of the Generalitat, lawyers from the Government may exercise criminal and civil actions where the administration has suffered harm. This includes pursuing individuals responsible for material damage and injuries to public officials.

Support for Injured Personnel

The Generalitat will also ensure legal representation and assistance for its personnel affected during the events, particularly 14 injured Mossos d'Esquadra officers. The Abogacía de la Generalitat (the Government’s legal service) is expected to assume defence and representation duties in line with applicable regulations. Sílvia Paneque, Minister for Territory and Government Spokesperson, stated that authorities would use all available mechanisms to identify both those who carried out the violence and those who instigated it. She confirmed that police are investigating digital channels, including WhatsApp and Telegram groups under the name 'Blocus', which are believed to be inciting further unrest.

Scope of Prosecution

A total of 132 people were arrested during the riots, of whom 76 were minors. Around 30 commercial establishments in central Barcelona were looted or damaged. Paneque affirmed that those involved would face the full weight of the law. The possibility of exercising popular prosecution will be considered where legally permitted. The Legal Cabinet has been instructed to carry out all necessary actions in accordance with regulatory requirements. According to official sources, Mossos d'Esquadra are using footage from social media and commercial CCTV to identify offenders. They are also collaborating with the Centre for Intelligence against Terrorism and Organised Crime (CITCO), a national-level body under Spain’s Ministry of the Interior.

Sources: Govern de Catalunya, Marta Puig i Vidal, elplural.com, vlex.es.