Barcelona identifies 1,440 people and arrests three due to Blocus

The mayor, Jaume Collboni, assures that the operation has halted looting, although he warns that disturbances could recur. The Mossos d'Esquadra have identified 1,440 people.

The gatherings called by Blocus in Barcelona did not take place and Saturday's events passed, according to the mayor himself, without new looting. Jaume Collboni spoke from the headquarters of the Urban Guard to assess an operation that, in his opinion, has prevented the incidents of the previous week from recurring.

Collboni believes that the situation has been controlled thanks to a task of prevention, planning, and coordination. Nevertheless, he has urged not to let down their guard, as calls to loot shops from the previous weekend "could recur", according to his words.

"There will be no impunity. In Barcelona, violence is neither tolerated nor will it be tolerated," the mayor said.

The Barcelona City Council defends the right to protest but distinguishes between protesting and provoking disturbances. Collboni has thanked the cooperation of central merchants, who were affected by the calls and by the fear of looting recurring.

For this day, the Mossos d'Esquadra and the Urban Guard deployed a large operation in the city centre. Two gatherings were scheduled for 17:00, in Plaça Catalunya and at the Arc de Triomf, and a third at 20:00 on Passeig de Gràcia.

The police report shows 1,440 people identified and three arrests. According to a statement from the Mossos d'Esquadra released at midnight, two of those arrested are adults with an outstanding search and arrest warrant, and the third is a minor accused of resisting and disobeying officers.

Additionally, the agents issued 127 administrative reports for the seizure of items that could be used in disturbances and for possession of narcotic substances. Central merchants lowered their shutters early and closed at dusk due to the calls.

The operation will remain active over the next few hours, as indicated by the mayor, meaning that traffic and commercial activity in the centre could be affected tonight.