Three people were arrested and a photojournalist was assaulted during violent confrontations at the Fossar de les Moreres in Barcelona on Thursday evening, as anti-fascist protesters attempted to disrupt an event by the far-right group Aliança Catalana.
The demonstration took place ahead of Catalonia’s Diada on 11 September, with around 3,000 anti-fascist demonstrators, mostly young people, gathering to oppose the event, which was attended by approximately 300 Aliança Catalana supporters. The Catalan regional police, Mossos d'Esquadra, deployed riot units to prevent clashes and maintain a cordon around the historic site near Santa Maria del Mar.
Tensions flared shortly before 18:00 when officers removed a banner from pro-independence leftist demonstrators at the end of Passeig del Born, prompting shoving and baton use. The Mossos conducted multiple charges over more than three hours, dividing the crowd into two sections to control the protest.
Despite police barriers, three anti-fascist demonstrators infiltrated the event by posing as affiliates. As Aliança Catalana leader Sílvia Orriols delivered her speech, they threw paint at far-right sympathisers and were immediately detained by Mossos officers. Far-right attendees attempted to assault the suspects, but police intervened to prevent further violence.
Photographer Assaulted During Arrest
During the detention of one suspect, ACN photojournalist Jordi Borràs reported being shoved to the ground by a Brimo (Mossos anti-riot) officer while photographing near the basilica. According to Borràs, who spoke to ARA and VilaWeb, a large and agitated officer pushed him from behind, causing him to fall backward.
"I fell due to the pushes and they kicked me twice, and another kick aimed at my face miraculously missed,"
Borràs said a group of ultras linked to the Boixos Nois, wearing blue hats and acting as informal security for the event, then attacked him. He accused the Mossos of failing to intervene or take action against the attackers afterward. The Ramon Barnils Journalists Group has formally demanded explanations from the Mossos over the incident, stating that security forces must protect press freedom.
Orriols Calls for Calm Amid Ultras' Presence
Orriols had previously warned of potential provocations, claiming her group had been framed by the far-left. In a video posted on X, she stated: "I want to calm things down because they say Aliança Catalana has surrounded itself with ultras to pick a fight." She described it as a “trap” to incite violence and discredit her movement, while asserting: "If they come to attack us, we will pin them to the ground until the Mossos arrive and identify them."
The presence of former members of the now-defunct xenophobic group Unitat Nacional Catalana raised concerns in the lead-up to the event. Critics questioned the decision to allow such figures to act as event security.
Police Confirm Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
The Mossos confirmed the arrest of three anti-fascist demonstrators and are investigating five others for public order offences. No injuries among officers were reported. The force has not yet commented on the allegations involving Borràs’s assault.
The incident marks a significant escalation compared to last year’s Diada, when a small group of Arran militants attempted to disrupt the same event but were swiftly blocked by police without violence.
Primary sources: Mossos d'Esquadra. Reported by ara.cat, es.ara.cat, es.euronews.com, vilaweb.cat, José Medrano;José Medrano, abc.es, lavanguardia.com, CatalunyaPress.es, infobae.com, Guillem RS, larazon.es, Ara Cat.
