The Mossos have identified 450 people in central Barcelona without making any arrests. They have issued 15 reports for items such as knives or balaclavas.
The operation of Mossos d'Esquadra and Guardia Urbana deployed in central Barcelona during the afternoon of this Saturday 31st October identified 450 people between 16:00 and 18:30, with no arrests made.
The agents also issued 15 reports for the possession of items that could be used in actions against businesses called by the group Blocus, including knives and balaclavas. The operation coincided with the celebration of Halloween.
The checks were concentrated in Plaza de Cataluña and Paseo de Gràcia, where documentation was requested from young people intending to reach those areas. At the junction of both streets, in front of the Apple store, around twenty people were identified at the same time.
According to the operation, the Mossos began to deploy at 15:00 in the city centre and in other locations in Catalonia, with a maximum level of control following the announcements of violent protests circulated on social media in the days prior.
Blocus had called for at least three actions in Barcelona. The first, at 17:00, in Plaza de Cataluña and Paseo de Lluís Companys. The other two were scheduled for Paseo de Gràcia at 20:00.
Many businesses in the centre have protected their shop windows in anticipation of these calls, to avoid looting similar to that of the Saturday of the previous week. Nevertheless, most businesses remained open.
The Mossos, along with other bodies and local police, have activated the level 4 alert, the highest in the protocol. During the operation, some access points to the Metro stations in the centre were closed, as well as some bus stops and Bicing stations, so those travelling in the area should be aware of possible changes to their routes.
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