Torra to attend Madrid protest on Saturday
President Quim Torra will take part in next Saturday’s demonstration in Madrid in support of the right to decide, to condemn the infringement of basic rights, and demand an end to the repression of imprisoned and exiled political leaders. Under the slogan, Self-determination is not a crime, the demonstration will be a repeat of the one that took place on February 16 in Barcelona, to coincide with the start of the trial of the independence leaders. According to sources close to Torra, the president will make a speech in Madrid, although the exact details are still to be decided. “The president’s aim is to condemn the trial and show support for the prisoners,” said the sources. In the morning, the president will conduct an official visit to inaugurate the Sant Josep fair in Mollerussa, before taking the high-speed train to the Spanish capital.
Other representatives of Catalan institutions will also be at the protest, including the parliament speaker, Roger Torrent. Also present will be members of the government, such as the presidency minister, Elsa Artadi, although vice president Pere Aragonès will decide whether to attend at the last moment, due to the recent birth of his child. There will also be a number of representatives from the two main pro-independence parties: JxCat and ERC.