11.11.2016 - 03:32
In the same week that marks the second anniversary of the 9-N consultation, pro-independence organizations are once again calling for unity. This time, however, to stand up to Madrid’s “systematic legal attacks”.
The ANC, Òmnium Cultural, and the AMI are hoping that the picture of Sunday’s midday rally at Barcelona’s Montjuïc fountains will become a call to defend Catalan institutions, democracy, and the elected representatives who are being prosecuted, as well as to reject the replacement of politics with legal action.
Indeed, in a joint press conference the leaders of the three groups insisted on the broad-based nature of the demonstration in an appeal for the alternative left to join in. “This is not about initials, or parties, or personalities, or flags”, said Jordi Cuixart, President of Òmnium, who called for everyone who believes that “political disputes should be resolved through dialogue” and not in the courts, to show up and demonstrate.
Neus Lloveras, President of the AMI, encouraged all democrats to come along because “the attacks from the State are now much stronger”. “We can only endure them with unity”, she added. “They want us divided, but they are strengthening the conviction that we can move the country forward with a great consensus”, Cuixart stated.
Carme Forcadell, the Speaker of the House, will take a central position at the event, as she is being prosecuted for allowing a parliamentary vote on the conclusions of the constituent process committee. Also in the spotlight will be Artur Mas, former president of the Generalitat, and former Ministers Francesc Homs, Joana Ortega, and Irene Rigau, who face criminal charges for the 9-N consultation. Also present will be Joan Coma, CUP Councilman for Vic, and Montse Venturós, Mayor of Berga, as well as accused members of civil society, such as Santiago Espot, the President of Catalunya Acció who is being prosecuted for having masterminded the booing of the Spanish national anthem at the King’s Cup final last year in Barcelona’s Nou Camp.
Jordi Sànchez, leader of the ANC, said that “the moment has arrived to stand by the political representatives who are being legally persecuted”, and he assured that, despite the strategy of fear being employed by the central government, “the State cannot win this battle” if supporters of independence remain united. “They cannot stop the process towards a referendum and towards independence”, Sànchez emphasized.
