Thanks to social media, and the fact that nowadays mobile phones come with cameras, we've been able to see some of the most shameful images depicting modern day democracy in Spain. The Catalonian referendum for independence that took place on 1st October has been overshadowed by violence, police raids, a tense atmosphere and uncertainty - both political and social.
Author J.K. Rowling, is a very avid Twitter user - she once took on Donald Trump in order to defend the rights of LGTB individuals, and also voiced her opinion on Scottish independence. After having seen a tweet by Financial Times reporter, Michael Stothard, the mind behind 'Harry Potter' replied with the following tweet:
This is repugnant and unjustifiable. https://t.co/10K5ajzIc3
? J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 1, 2017
Despite being born in the United Kingdom, Rowling lived and spent majority of her time in Scotland with her sister, before her career skyrocketed. In 2014, during the referendum for Scottish independence, the writer donated 1.24 million pounds to the unionist campaign. After tweeting her disgust at the violent situation in Catalonia, Rowling then shared a tweet by another user also condemning the attacks.
You know you're on the losing side of a fight / debate / question of national importance, when u end up brutalizing grandma to make a point. https://t.co/hsACnlvnes
? The Greek Analyst (@GreekAnalyst) October 1, 2017
Further opinions on independence
Various politicans and presenters have also had their say over Twitter, disapproving the damaging situation that Spanish society and democracy have had to suffer through this week.
Statement from @foreignoffice on #Catalonia is shamefully weak. A true friend of Spain would tell them today's actions wrong and damaging. pic.twitter.com/bBnCmn5BWw
? Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) October 1, 2017
Police violence against citizens in #Catalonia is shocking. The Spanish government must act to end it now.
? Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) October 1, 2017
Truly awful scenes in Catalonia. Disgusting. https://t.co/p8O7ZRBImK
? Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 1, 2017
Amid the scenes in Catalonia leading up to the referendum, Barcelona Football Club had to play a match against Las Palmas, behind closed doors.
Defender, Gerard Piqué also offered up his opinion:
A tearful Gerard Piqué says he will quit the Spain team if his support for the #CatalanReferendum becomes an issue pic.twitter.com/bdMdctJ1v9
? Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) October 2, 2017
