Collboni defends the police device in the Barcelona riots: "Someone circulated it with non-democratic intentions"

The mayor of Barcelona, ​​Jaume Collboni, pointed out this Sunday that behind the spread of the youth protest that ended in serious riots during the night of October 24, there could be an anti-democratic intention in the city center. As noted, the call circulated on social networks and WhatsApp groups because "someone" sent it to young people for a purpose that they consider harmful to the city and democracy.

In statements to the media from Plaza de Catalunya, the epicenter of the altercations, Collboni condemned the incidents and assured that it was not a "democratic protest" protected by the right to demonstrate, but rather a call aimed at provoking riots and "going out to make trouble, emulating what has happened in other European cities."

The mayor explained that the Mossos d'Esquadra are investigating the origin of the altercations and that the arrests made are providing "valuable information." However, he has avoided offering more details to "not give clues to anyone."

"Someone circulates them with some intention that is not positive for our country or for our city or for our democracy," he stated about the messages that encouraged the concentrations. The City Council will act against those responsible for the riots

Collboni has also announced that Barcelona City Council will appear in the judicial cases opened against those involved in the riots, including those legally responsible for the minors who participated in the incidents.

"Do not believe that because we are minors we will not go looking for our parents, to seek responsibility, whether financial or criminal, if that is appropriate," he warned.

The mayor has also defended the police device deployed during the day on Saturday, rejecting that it was insufficient. As he explained, the authorities had detected the call and adopted preventive measures, although he acknowledged that it was a "very uncontrollable" situation due to the unpredictability of the participants.

"The police have the full support of the mayor and the municipal government in everything they have done," he assured, while insisting that these episodes cannot be repeated.

After visiting some of the affected establishments, Collboni has expressed his "full support" to the merchants who suffered damage and looting during the altercations. Likewise, he has assured that the City Council will work so that they can be compensated for the damage caused.

The Generalitat and Barcelona City Council will support merchants in the property claim processes and with financial aid, if necessary, to address the damage caused by the riots at yesterday's youth protest in Plaza Catalunya in Barcelona.

In statements, Jaume Collboni has announced that he will meet with the merchants affected by the riots and this Sunday he will visit "on the ground" some of the establishments that were vandalized and looted yesterday, more than twenty.