Tens of thousands of protesters today united on the streets of Barcelona in a show of defiance as they declared to terrorists: ‘We are not afraid!’
The King of Spain, Felipe VI and the country’s prime minister Mariano Rajoy were among those marching just metres away from the scene of the horrific vehicle attack on Las Ramblas earlier this month which left 14 dead and more than 100 injured.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the atrocity – which was Spain’s deadliest in more than a decade – as well as another in Cambrils that used vehicles and knives.
Barcelona mayor Ada Colau called for citizens across the country to join in the protests, with a banner bearing the slogan ‘No tinc por!’ – which means ‘we are not afraid’ – held at the front of the march in the capital
The march was led by protesters holding a banner reading ‘no tinc por’ which means ‘we are not afraid’ in the local Catalan language
Spain’s prime minister Mariano Rajoy, left, is greeted by King Felipe, pictured right, before taking part in the march of unity
Spain’s King Felipe, centre, prime minister Mariano Rajoy, third left, and Catalonia regional president Carles Puigdemont, fourth from right, and other politicians take part in the march
Pictured left: King Felipe istens to a young Muslim during the march. Pictured right: The King greets representatives of the police and medical services who were assisting in the recent terror attacks
Barcelona mayor Ada Colau called for citizens across the country to join in the protests, while in the capital a banner was held with the slogan ‘no tinc por!’ – which means ‘we are not afraid’.
It was carried by representatives of the emergency services who attended the aftermath of the attacks, together with residents, hoteliers who took in victims and their families, taxi drivers and shop owners.
During the huge demonstration today the people of Barcelona were accompanied by the presidents of all the other 17 autonomous Spanish communities, mayors, top representatives of the main political parties and members of social and trade union organisations.
Hundreds of volunteers also distributed red, yellow and white flowers, colours that represent the cross of Sant Jordi which is a symbol of Barcelona.
A woman holds a sign reading ‘no to Islamophobia’ during the march condemning this month’s attacks
During the huge demonstration today the people of Barcelona were accompanied by the presidents of all the other 17 autonomous Spanish communities, mayors, top representatives of the main political parties
A Spanish Government spokesman said before the march: ‘This act will pay tribute to the victims and be used as a display of unity to mourn the victims and of the desire to do away with senseless terrorism’
The slogan of the march – which is in the local Catalan language – has grown from a spontaneous civic answer that the government and Spain’s political class have unanimously embraced.
A Spanish Government spokesman said before the march: ‘This act will pay tribute to the victims and be used as a display of unity to mourn the victims and of the desire to do away with senseless terrorism.’
‘The government urges all those Spanish people that are able to attend this demonstration, but at any event they will be represented by the various State authorities, in order to show that the people of Spain are united to combat this barbarism in their values of democracy, liberty and human rights.’
It was carried by representatives of the emergency services who attended the aftermath of the attacks, together with residents, hoteliers who took in victims and their families, taxi drivers and shop owners
The slogan of the march ‘no tinc por’ – which is in the local Catalan language and means ‘we are not afraid’ – has grown from a spontaneous civic answer to the violence
‘After the terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils, the general public responded with a cry of protest that was charged with courage and emotion: ‘No tinc por’ (I am not afraid).
‘A clamour from a loving, welcoming city. This Saturday, we will be out on the street once more, in freedom and calling for peace,’ said a spokesman.
An online book of condolences has been set up which has already received tens of thousands of comments from wellwishers.
Traffic was restricted in the area from two hours before the 6pm start and safety tips were issued by the emergency services, including the police.