The Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan police) have this Friday entered various public schools around Catalonia to remove any yellow loops or other political symbols. The force has told El Nacional it's acting on orders from public prosecutors, after the Central Electoral Board denounced the presence of such symbols on public buildings.
So far they have been reported as having entered schools in Badalona, Caldes d’Estrac, Arenys de Mar, Perafita, Lleida and Sant Adrià del Besòs. A number of teachers have discussed the situation online.
In the case of a school in Badalona, where there were no loops, the officers reportedly criticised the presence of the colour yellow in kids' crafts displayed in the corridors. They also searched the teachers' room, classrooms and bathrooms. A rural school in Perafita reports they've had to remove even the lilac loops of support for International Women's Day.
Translation: A pair of Mossos have come to the school to check there are no yellow loops. In this corridor they commented there is too much yellow.
Translation: The headmaster of Planas i Casals school explains that the Mossos have searched teachers' cupboards and drawers. Are yellow loops so dangerous? Who ordered this search?
Translation: The Mossos have just come to the rural school in Perafita, Lluçanes with orders to take down any symbols with regards to the elections. They've removed the lilac loops which had been hung up on 8th March for Women's Day. It's a disgrace!
In Caldes d'Estrac, the Mossos covered yellow loops which had been painted in a pro-peace mural.
Translation: Mossos at Sagrada Familia school in Caldes d'Estrac currently erasing the yellow loops that the children had painted for a mural for peace.
Translation: Mossos have also entered the Els Tres Turons school in Arenys de Mar, removing posters from notice boards and inside the departments.