Howlin condemns Spanish police violence

Labour Party Leader and spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Brendan Howlin TD has condemned violence by Spanish police against those taking part in the Catalonian independence referendum.

Deputy Howlin commented:

“Any violence against voters and officials is unacceptable and unjustifiable. The use of plastic bullets and physical intimidation by the Spanish police has to be condemned.

“This violent response sanctioned by the Spanish authorities is not one we come to expect from one our European Union partners. Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney should urgently contact their sister party in Spain, and urge an immediate end to such violence.

“It is clear that the heavy-handed approach taken by the police and the Spanish Government will further inflame this dispute and, in all likelihood, will only serve to strengthen the independence movement.

“It is my view, that peaceful dialogue on this issue is urgently required. The Spanish Government should allow a lawful referendum to take place enabling the democratic will of the people of Catalonia to be determined.”