Violent demonstrations have engulfed Catalonia since erupting on October 15. At least 96 people were injured in Catalonia on October 16 during protests against the sentencing of local politicians who organized an independence referendum in 2017, local medical services reported. The unrest was sparked by the Spanish Supreme Court’s verdict to jail Catalan politicians involved in what Madrid deemed to be an illegal bid for the region’s sovereignty in 2017. Some of the 12 leaders of the Catalan independence movement charged under the case were found guilty of sedition and misuse of public funds, with Vice President of Catalonia Oriol Junqueras getting the harshest penalty of 13 years.
Catalan riots rage for third straight night as protestors battle police
At least 96 people were injured in Catalonia on October 16 during protests against the sentencing of local politicians who organized an independence referendum in 2017
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Protestors making barricades in the street during clashes with police in Barcelona
© AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti Spain witnessed an escalation of violence after the Supreme Court announced the 'process' ruling of prison terms against the Catalan political leaders accused of organizing the Catalan illegal referendum held in 2017. Photo: Demonstrators taking shelter behind a barricade in Barcelona
© AP Photo/Bernat Armangue Police van driving over a burning barricade during clashes between protestors and police in Barcelona
© AP Photo/Bernat Armangue A car catches fire next to a burning barricade in Barcelona
© AP Photo/Bernat Armangue The demonstration Wednesday evening in the Catalan capital was the third straight day of protests since the Supreme Court handed down the sentences
© AP Photo/Bernat Armangue People using fire extinguishers on a burning barricade in Barcelona
© AP Photo/Bernat Armangue Catalonia's anti-riot police facing protesters during riots in Girona, located 99 km northeast of Barcelona
© EPA-EFE/DAVID BORRAT Demonstrators throwing paper toilet rolls into the air during a protests in Barcelona
© AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti Protest against the Spanish Supreme Court's ruling of multiple jail terms for pro-independence leaders in Barcelona
© EPA-EFE/TONI ALBIR Demonstrators pushing a dumpster during riots in Girona, located 99 km northeast of Barcelona
© EPA-EFE/DAVID BORRAT A protestor hurls a rock at police during clashes in Barcelona
© AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti Protestors making barricades in the street during clashes with police in Barcelona
© AP Photo/Joan Mateu Police in riot gear moving after protestors in Barcelona
© AP Photo/Bernat Armangue