Demonstrations and clashes between police and protesters continued to jail a number of Catalan leaders for their role in organizing a referendum on secession of the region two years ago.
On the fifth day of the protest, Barcelona saw a "general strike" and a large demonstration after a night of tension and clashes between police and separatists.
The effects of the strike are evident in Barcelona, a favorite destination for tourists, traffic is poor for a working day, as well as on La Ramblas.
The Spanish government announced this morning that the border road between Spain and France "cut in both directions."
The Spanish Transport Ministry said the demonstrators had cut two roads "in both directions" on the highway "E7" at Lachonquera near Girona, as well as "Nacional II" near the French-Spanish border.
| The effects of clashes between police and protesters in Barcelona (Getty Images) |
Arrests
The new tensions came on the eve of a day of peak mobilization in protest at the jail terms of between nine and 13 years for separatist leaders for their role in the 2017 secession attempt.
Pro-independence leaders went ahead with a referendum in 2017, although it was deemed illegal by Spanish courts, followed by the declaration of the province's secession from Spain, and Madrid responded by imposing its control over the administration of Catalonia and prosecuting dissidents.
The Spanish Interior Minister announced the arrest of about 100 people and injuring about 200 policemen in Catalonia since the demonstrations began last Monday.
As a result of the security situation, the Spanish Football Federation decided to postpone the "Clasico" match between Barcelona and Real Madrid, which was scheduled for the twenty-sixth of this month.