> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Mossos Fine CGT Activist Over Palestine Strike Protest - URL: https://barna.news/mossos-fine-cgt-activist-over-palestine/ - Published: 2026-09-05T07:04:12.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-05T09:30:11.000Z - Description: A CGT unionist has been fined 601 euros under Spain's 'gag law' for allegedly resisting police during a pro-Palestine protest in Barcelona last October. - Author: Brandon Watea - Tags: politics Barcelona police, the Mossos d'Esquadra, have fined CGT unionist Saturnino Mercader 601 euros under Organic Law 4/2015, known as the 'gag law', for allegedly disobeying officers during a pro-Palestine protest on 15 October 2025\. The protest, which blocked access to the Barceló de Sants hotel to prevent the Israeli basketball team Hapoel Jerusalem from departing to Manresa, ended in police intervention involving pepper spray and arrests. Mercader, who did not participate in the sit-in, stated he was recording the police action from the side when he was approached and restrained. The fine, issued by the Department of Interior, cites Article 36.6 of the law, which penalises disobedience or resistance to authority during the exercise of their duties. The two officers involved claim they repeatedly ordered Mercader to stop obstructing the team’s bus and that he ignored them, reportedly saying: "I'm messing with you." Mercader denies receiving any instructions or being formally identified. In his defence, he stated that after the sit-in ended, a Mossos officer assaulted him without cause. He recalled saying: "You're going too far, don't you have children?" He also highlighted that he had recently been released from the Israeli prison Ktzi'ot after participating in the Global Summit Flotilla, suggesting a pattern of alignment between Catalan police and Israeli interests. --- ## Legal and Political Fallout The case has drawn scrutiny amid broader concerns over police conduct during the strike. A Barcelona appeals court has ordered an investigation into the Mossos’ use of pepper spray during the protest, overturning a lower court’s decision to dismiss complaints. The appeals court noted the protest was peaceful and suggested the police response may have been "disproportionate", citing injuries such as skin rashes, eye irritation, and vomiting among demonstrators. Political pressure is mounting. ERC, Comuns, and CUP have called for Interior Minister Núria Parlon to appear before parliament to explain the police actions and the use of pepper spray. They argue the response was excessive and demand accountability, including the identification of officers involved in reported injuries. > "The relationship between the Catalan police and Zionism is demonstrated once again," Mercader said in a video denouncing the fine, interpreting the sanction as a warning to young activists mobilising for Palestine. Alerta Solidària reports similar fines have been issued to pro-Palestinian activists in Tarragona and Valencia, including five facing 14,000 euros in penalties under sports-related legislation for protesting at the Roig Arena. --- *Primary sources:* [*dsp.interior.gencat.cat*](https://dsp.interior.gencat.cat/handle/20.500.14007/4033?ref=barna.news)*. Reported by directa.cat, en.ara.cat, catalannews.com, 20minutos.es, Directa.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [One Activist Files Dozens of Language Complaints in Barcelona](https://barna.news/one-activist-files-dozens-of-language/) - [Barcelona admits no inspections or fines for language law breaches](https://barna.news/barcelona-admits-no-inspections-or-fines-for-language-law-breaches/) - [Barcelona police coordination pact remains unsigned](https://barna.news/barcelona-police-coordination-pact-remains-unsigned/) - [Catalan pro-independence unity strategy fractures](https://barna.news/catalan-pro-independence-unity-strategy/)