Separatists Block Roads and Railway Lines in Catalonia

Protesters blocked roads and train tracks across Catalonia on Thursday, February 21, in a protest against the trial of 12 Catalan separatist leaders who attempted a failed bid for independence in 2017. Trial proceedings for 12 separatists accused of holding an unauthorized referendum and misusing public funding began on February 12, sparking a pro-independence rally of support outside the Supreme Court of Justice in Madrid. A strike on February 21 was called by one labor union, with the support of Catalan government, but it was not backed by major unions, El Pais reported. Transport, medical services and universities were affected by labor withdrawals. This footage shows police removing protesters from the Carrer de Sants in Barcelona. Credit: Joan Antoni Guerrero Vall via Storyful