"Self-determination isn't a crime", that will be the motto of the wave of protests to start next week, coinciding with the trial of Catalan pro-independence leaders. Political, social and neighbourhood organisations and unions came together this morning in Barcelona to announce the details for what they describe as a "new historic cycle of demonstrations".
The organisers made it clear that the initiative "doesn't belong to anyone, nor is it partisan". They say their proposals are "prepared and agreed between various political and ideological sensibilities with the common denominator of the defence of democracy, to urge everyone to social activation and popular mobilisation".
Among the supporters of the move are the Catalan Association for Civil Rights (formed by relatives of the prisoners and exiles); civil society organisations ANC and Òmnium; political parties JxCAT, ERC, PDeCAT, CUP and En Comú; and other groups like FAPAC (Federation of Parents’ Associations), Unió de Pagesos (Farmworkers' Union), Plataforma per la Llengua (Platform for the Language), Escoltes Catalans (Scouts) and Irídia (a centre for the defence of human rights).
12th February, Madrid and Catalonia
The biggest plans are for the day the trial will start. It will get underway in Catalonia at 12 noon with a 10-minute standstill in front of workplaces. The day will culminate that evening with demonstrations in cities around Catalonia (including Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, Taragona and Tortosa) at 6pm. In the case of the Catalan capital, the rally will be held in plaça Catalunya.
There will also be significant protests in Madrid outside the Supreme Court itself, from early in the morning, to support the defendants as the hearings start.
16th February, Barcelona
That weekend, Barcelona will hold another demonstration, this time on Gran Via boulevard, the hope being that more people will be able to attend. It will start at 5pm following weeks of preparation by ANC and Òmnium. The march will go from plaça Espanya to plaça Universitat.
21st February, general strike
The group coordinating the demonstrations has also called on supporters to join in the strike called by a number of unions, headed by Intersindical CSC, and backed by the pro-independence parties.
16th March, Madrid
This is the least-defined for the moment. For example, the place is still to be confirmed, but it is known it will be at 6pm. The organisers say they have contacts with and support from the political left in Madrid.
Around the world
These are just the main rallies in Spain. The ANC's international branches are also planning almost 30 protests in different European countries and even one in the US.