On Tuesday 10th November 2026, rights groups Irídia, Novact and Lafede.cat will deploy more than 60 activists under the network Som Defensors to monitor police actions during Wednesday’s general strike in Barcelona, as Cronicaglobal reported.
The initiative, led by Luca Gervasoni, Arés Perceval and Anaïs Franquesa, aims to document potential human rights violations by the Mossos d'Esquadra (regional police) and initiate legal proceedings where necessary. Around 40 field observers wearing helmets and vests will patrol key protest sites from 6.30pm, directly engaging officers to discourage excessive force.
Remote Coordination and Legal Support
Another 25 volunteers will operate from a remote command centre, monitoring social media for real-time incident reporting. Through its Saidavi service, Irídia will provide ongoing legal assistance to file complaints against police conduct during the strike.
Criticism of Police Tactics
The groups have challenged the use of pepper spray in non-high-risk situations and inside enclosed spaces, which current protocols permit. They also oppose the use of police vans to clear crowds and preventive identity checks, which they say rely on ethnic-racial profiling.
Political Alignment with Strike Demands
Beyond monitoring, the organisations support the strike’s core grievances, particularly housing rights, condemning real estate investment funds for exacerbating the crisis. They argue that disruptions to daily life are an inherent part of strike action and must be tolerated.
Sources: Crónica Global.
