Demonstrators Panic As Police Fire On March (Press, 13 September 1977)

On 13 September 1977, Barcelona witnessed a massive demonstration by over a million Catalan nationalists advocating for home rule. The event escalated into chaos as riot police attempted to disperse the tail-end of the march, resorting to the use of tear gas and rubber bullets. Despite initial restraint shown by security forces, tensions flared as extremist youths provoked them with insults. As night fell, violence erupted, with radical groups hurling stones at the police, prompting a charge from mounted officers. Fleeing from the gunfire and chaos, men, women, and children created scenes of panic, resulting in the Spanish Red Cross reporting that 12 individuals were injured by rubber bullets. The demonstration, one of the largest expressions of public support for regional autonomy since the death of General Franco in 1975, showcased a strong repudiation of the former dictatorship alongside a firm request for Catalan independence. The march started with a festive atmosphere, as thousands of cars crowded Barcelona's city centre, honking their horns in solidarity. Organisers and nationalist marshals maintained order without police presence during most of the event, allowing for a largely peaceful gathering. However, the day concluded with violence instigated by a faction of anarchists and radicals, who reportedly threw petrol bombs, hijacked buses for barricades, and shouted slogans against King Juan Carlos. The central government, led by Prime Minister Adolfo Suárez, had previously indicated a willingness to grant the Catalans a provisional and limited form of autonomy. However, this agreement remained unofficial, as left-wing political parties, which had recently won parliamentary elections, demanded more representation in any forthcoming Catalan institutions. Overall, the march not only highlighted Catalonia’s demands for greater self-governance but also marked a significant moment in Spain's ongoing struggle to redefine its political landscape following decades of oppressive rule under Franco.

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