The Decision of the Provincial Court
The Provincial Court of Barcelona maintains the trial against four young Bagenians for Freedom. This trial refers to the alleged crimes committed during the March for Freedom in front of the Civil Guard barracks in Manresa on the evenings of October 16 and 17, 2019, in response to the sentences against pro-independence political and social leaders in 2017.
The Suspension Demand
Despite the defense of the accused having asked for the suspension or postponement of the trial, based on the upcoming approval of the Amnesty law, no response has been received from the court. The agenda of the third section of the Provincial Court maintains the trial scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday, according to NacióManresa sources.
The Charged Crimes
The four youths in question face charges of public disorder, assault and damage for the events of October 16, with one of them also charged with public disorder and assault for the events of October 17. The sentences requested vary, with the first three facing 7 years in prison and a fine, while the fourth could be subjected to an additional 3 1/2 years for the events of the following day.
It should be remembered that during these two nights, the forceful action of the Mossos d’Esquadra also received severe criticism, leading Manresa City Council to approve a declaration of rejection of the ‘excessive’ action of the Catalan police.
Harmful Results and Claims of the Prosecutor’s Office
The Prosecutor’s Office accuses the young people of throwing objects and pyrotechnic material at the Mossos police cordon. However, a direct relationship cannot be established between the defendants’ actions and the officers’ injuries. The prosecution also demands that the defendants assume the damages to the officers’ uniforms, valued at 1,979.29 euros.
In addition, it is alleged that the defendants instigated other protesters to throw objects at the officers. One of the defendants is also accused of painting a Mossos d’Esquadra van and puncturing its wheel.
conclusion
With the trial pending, the tension surrounding these events continues. The population of Manresa awaits with interest the outcome of this situation that has marked the collective memory of the city.
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