Catalonia Officials Report Dozens of Injuries Following Sunday Clashes

Local officials in Catalonia confirmed that after clashes between Spanish police and protesters over the holding of a referendum on Sunday, hundreds have sought treatment at healthcare facilities in the region, with over 90 injuries reported. According to a spokesperson for the Catalonia Ministry of Health, 337 individuals visited hospitals and medical centers following the clashes, with 91 injuries confirmed so far, including one person severely injured in the eye. Meanwhile, reports indicate that at least 11 police officers were injured by pro-independence demonstrators. Earlier, there were reports of police forces entering several polling stations in Barcelona and attempting to prevent the referendum on the region's independence. This action sparked public protests at these locations. According to Reuters, people at one polling station chanted 'We will vote' and demanded that 'occupying forces' leave the polling stations. The central government of Spain has deemed the referendum illegal and dispatched thousands of police officers to prevent its occurrence. Previously, a court had issued a ruling prohibiting the referendum. Subsequently, Spanish police arrested several officials from the Catalonia regional government and sealed ballot boxes in many of the 2,300 schools designated as polling stations. According to Reuters, the central government of Spain stated that more than half of these ballot boxes have been sealed. A recent survey indicated that about 40% support Catalonia's independence, while the majority of the region's 7.5 million residents demand a referendum. Meanwhile, the Catalonia regional government stated on Sunday that voters would be allowed to vote in any open polling station if their local polling station was closed. According to Reuters, a spokesperson for the Catalonia regional government said this move facilitates voting for Catalans. Simultaneously, reports indicate that people have gathered at polling stations to prevent police from entering. The Catalonia regional government condemned the closure of some polling stations by police forces. Additionally, German news agency reports that 73% of polling stations are active.