Barca Defend Catalonia's Right to Hold Referendum — Naharnet

21.9.17

Barca Defend Catalonia's Right to Hold Referendum — Naharnet: Catalonia's pro-separatist president Carles Puigdemont accused the Spanish government of imposing a "de facto state of emergency" in the region, with a series of measures to prevent what Madrid sees as an illegal independence referendum taking place.

"FC Barcelona, in remaining faithful to its historic commitment to the defense of the nation, to democracy, to freedom of speech, and to self-determination, condemns any act that may impede the free exercise of these rights," Barca said in a statement.

"Therefore, FC Barcelona publicly expresses its support for all people, entities, and institutions that work to guarantee these rights.

"FC Barcelona, in holding the utmost respect for its diverse body of members, will continue to support the will of the majority of Catalan people, and will do so in a civil, peaceful, and exemplary way."