Read in Catalan

Several hundred people braved the cold and snow in New York this Saturday to raise their voices against political repression in Catalonia. The protest, organised by NY Coalition for Human Rights in Catalonia​ and held in the city's Washington Square Park, called for an end to Spain's imposition of direct rule over Catalonia under 155, and the release of the political prisoners who are still behind bars: Oriol Junqueras, Joaquim Forn, Jordi Cuixart and Jordi Sànchez. 

 

Although the rally was held under falling snow, protesters chanted energetically in favour of releasing the four remaining Catalan leaders held in Spanish jails. There was also a minute of silence and some local castellers - human tower builders - even raised a three-level pilar. Yellow scarves and caps were in evidence as well as estelada independence flags. To conclude, the Catalan anthem Els Segadors was sung. The line "When another June comes" seemed especially poignant under the December cold.