The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, has this afternoon called Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy asking for explanations for the police brutality in Catalonia. The call from the German leader comes after police trying to stop today's referendum have left 465 injured, some of them seriously. The news was announced by the senior editor of the Economy section of Die Welt, one of Germany's most prestigious newspapers.
German Chancellor Merkel holds phone call with Spanish PM Rajoy as Catalan govt says 465 people injured by police forces.
— Holger Zschaepitz (@Schuldensuehner) 1 d’octubre de 2017
The German chancellor is just the latest of a number of important European leaders who have commented on today's events in Catalonia, including Belgian prime minister, Charles Michel, the Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon and the leader of the opposition in the UK Parliament, Jeremy Corbyn.
Violence can never be the answer! We condemn all forms of violence and reaffirm our call for political dialogue #CatalanReferendum #Spain
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) 1 d’octubre de 2017
I urge @Theresa_May to appeal directly to Rajoy to end police violence in Catalonia & find political solution to this constitutional crisis.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) 1 d’octubre de 2017
Police violence against citizens in #Catalonia is shocking. The Spanish government must act to end it now.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) 1 d’octubre de 2017
2/2 and call on Spain to change course before someone is seriously hurt. Let people vote peacefully.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) 1 d’octubre de 2017