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Barcelona arrest count reaches 128 after shop looting and street fires

The arrest count after disturbances in central Barcelona rose to 128 as authorities assessed damage to shops and public property. The clashes disrupted metro and commuter-rail access around Plaça de Catalunya. The mayor promised legal action over damage, while restaurant representatives criticised preventive preparations and said businesses had not received adequate warning. An initial count listed at least 23 damaged or looted businesses.

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A shattered shop entrance, debris across the pavement and a burned rubbish container on a tree-lined city boulevard.

Police update the arrest total after Saturday’s unrest

The arrest count after Saturday’s disturbances in central Barcelona reached 128 in a Sunday update. Shops were looted and street furniture damaged around Plaça de Catalunya. Catalan Interior Minister Núria Parlon had initially announced about 100 arrests on Saturday night.[1], [2]

About 500 young people gathered following an online call that had not been formally notified to authorities. Disturbances began during the afternoon and the most serious incidents continued until close to midnight. Police drew up 68 administrative reports concerning confiscated knives, sprays, face coverings, pyrotechnics, stones and other objects.[1]

Damage and fires disrupt the city centre

An initial assessment listed at least 23 businesses as damaged or looted. Thirty-one rubbish containers were burned; firefighters responded to 33 street fires. The city estimated damage to street furniture at no less than 36,000 euros. The Catalan regional police asked residents to avoid the square, while metro and commuter-rail entrances closed and trains temporarily stopped serving local stations.[1]

The mayor promises action as businesses question preparations

Mayor Jaume Collboni promised judicial and financial action over damage to public property. The city said it had removed 106 containers and other objects beforehand. Opposition parties demanded explanations about preventive arrangements. Restaurant representatives said authorities had underestimated the risk and failed to contact businesses, including to ask about affected staff. They also sought municipal action over damage to private property.[1]

References

  1. News sourceRTVEBarcelona protest arrests rise to 128↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceTot BarcelonaBarcelona disturbances leave 128 detained↩
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