Acció Cassandra, a legal entity, has filed a criminal complaint against commanders and agents of the Spanish National Police (CNP) and the Mossos d'Esquadra. The complaint concerns the expulsion and subsequent encirclement of Sagrada Família choir members during a solemn mass on 10 June. This incident occurred at the iconic Barcelona basilica during the blessing of the Christ tower.
Allegations of Illegal Detention and Discrimination
The legal entity, driven by Lluís Gibert and Josep Rosell, alleges the police actions constitute illegal detention, perversion of justice, and a violation of fundamental rights. They also claim discrimination based on national and ideological grounds. Acció Cassandra states the police operation was "coercive, arbitrary, and of extraordinary gravity against Catalan citizens." These citizens were legitimately participating in a highly significant religious and musical event.
Lluís Gibert, representing Acció Cassandra, stated that the police actions at the Sagrada Família on 10 June were "not an anecdote or an organisational misunderstanding." He described it as "a show of force that could fit into crimes of illegal detention, abuse of authority, and ideological hatred against Catalan citizens." He added that the choir members were "only doing what they had been asked to do: sing at a religious event."
Police Tactics During the Ceremony
The complaint details that the events unfolded during the final part of the ceremony, specifically while the "Virolai" was being performed. Police reportedly removed adult choir members from the basilica using "a manoeuvre of deception and coercion." Officers interrupted the singing and separated the choir director from the groups. Participants were then led towards an unscheduled exit. They found themselves encircled outside by a police cordon, which prevented them from moving freely.
Acció Cassandra stated in a press release issued this Tuesday that "the encapsulation manoeuvre resulted in a de facto deprivation of liberty for hundreds of people." This occurred "without a judicial order, without an obvious crime, and without sufficient legal justification." The Sagrada Família, located in Barcelona's Eixample district, attracts millions of visitors annually. It stands as a symbol of Catalan identity and a major global landmark.
Impact on Choir Members and Minors
Children in the junior choirs were reportedly held in the temple's choir loft. They faced police pressure and could not immediately contact their parents or guardians. Witnesses described this situation as humiliating, intimidating, and psychologically devastating. The incident has therefore generated significant local concern among residents and the broader community.
Calls for Investigation and Accountability
The criminal complaint includes direct testimonies from affected choir members, choir leaders, and other witnesses present during the events. It requests specific investigative actions. These include identifying involved commanders and agents, providing service orders, preserving and analysing security recordings, and taking statements from witnesses and operational managers.
Acció Cassandra also leaves open the possibility of criminal liability for the Sagrada Família Board of Trustees. This would apply "to the extent that their intervention, prior knowledge, or consent in the design, authorisation, or execution of the operation can be proven." Lluís Gibert emphasised the broader implications, stating, "If we accept that 600 choir members can be encircled and humiliated in one of the country's most emblematic temples because of their Catalan identity, we are normalising a qualitative leap in symbolic repression." He added that the complaint aims to show "the Catalan national minority will not give up defending its dignity, including in the courts." The entity has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the legal costs, including any potential bond required for popular prosecution.
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Originally published by Tot Barcelona. Read original article.
