GALLERY | Historic images of Catalonia's 1st October referendum
October 1st, 2017 is a date that has become historic in Catalonia. A referendum was held on independence from Spain, with all the apparatus of the Spanish state lined up against the celebration of the vote, but unable to prevent it. The Spanish government could not find the ballot boxes, which were hidden in northern Catalonia, nor the ballot papers. Despite violent repression by Spanish police forces, 43.03% of the Catalan population managed to vote. 90.18% of those who did so voted 'yes' to independence, 7.83% said 'no', and 1.98% votes in blank, with a total of 2.2 million votes being counted.
Many people were already present at the polling stations, protecting them, at 5am - hours before they opened. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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The ballot boxes, sitting on the electoral tables, awaiting Catalan votes. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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Two Mossos d'Esquadra police officers, in front of hundreds of people who went to the polls on October 1st. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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Voters flooding into a polling station. There are people of all ages, but not everyone can exercise their right to vote. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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This is 93-year-old Antoni 'Ton' Florats. Sadly, he passed away this year. He was orphaned in 1934, at the age of seven. He voted on 1st October 2017, and was very emotional about doing so. He was in love with Catalonia. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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A woman is applauded as she leaves the polling station after casting her vote. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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At the Escola Industrial de Barcelona, a boy stands behinds barriers. This was one of the busiest polling stations. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar.
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On Barcelona's Carrer Marina, the Spanish National police, ready to charge. They arrive with riot gear and numerous vans. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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Spanish National police begin their baton charges against voters on Carrer Marina. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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Without any hesitation, some officers gave abrupt shoves to people in their paths. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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To open the way for the police vans carrying the confiscated ballot boxes, police officers drag protesters along the ground. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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Despite being banned in Catalonia, rubber bullets were used by Spanish National police on the day of the referendum. One of them hits the eye of a man named Roger Espanyol. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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A group of Spanish National police regroup to protect themselves and secure a safe position from which to fire rubber bullets. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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At the end of the day, people celebrate the referendum as a great victory. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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Despite the repression, the ballot boxes were filled with votes and 9 out of 10 were in favour of the independence of Catalonia. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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An electoral scrutineer begins the counting of votes at the Escola Industrial. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
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Despite the police violence against voters, 43.03% of the Catalan population managed to cast a vote which was counted. 90.18% were for yes, 7.83% for no and 1.98% of votes in blank were registered, with a total of 2.2 million votes counted. Some of them took a ballot box home. / Photo: Sergi Alcázar
