Tensions Are High In Catalonia On The Eve Of Its Independence Vote

New York Times: Faces of Joy, Rage and Resolve in Catalonia as Independence Vote Nears

Catalonia, the restive northeastern region that includes Barcelona and that is Spain’s economic powerhouse, is attempting to vote on Sunday in an independence referendum.

The Catalans say that their distinct language, history and culture entitle them to nationhood, or at least that they should have the chance to decide for themselves whether to break from Spain.

The central government in Madrid, with the support of Spanish courts, says the vote is unconstitutional and should be suspended. It is doing everything it can to prevent it from happening: confiscating ballots; shutting down the internet; barring polling stations and threatening Catalan officials with arrest and prosecution. It has sent thousands of police from other parts of Spain to potentially enforce the measures.

The standoff is growing increasingly volatile as the scheduled start of voting on Sunday morning approaches.

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More News On Tensions Rising High In Catalonia On The Eve Of Its Independence Vote

Spain, Catalonia head for showdown over independence vote -- AP
Spanish Authorities Blockade Polling Stations, Dismantle Equipment Ahead of Catalonia Referendum -- Voice of America
Catalonia referendum defies Spanish obstruction -- BBC
Police seal off Catalan schools after separatists occupy them so they can be used as polling stations in region's outlawed independence vote -- Daily Mail
Police close voting centres before Catalan referendum -- The Guardian
Spanish police move to enforce ban on Catalan independence referendum -- Reuters
Spain Tries to Stop Catalonia's Weekend Vote on Independence -- Bloomberg
Catalonia vows to vote in face of Spain's tightening grip against independence -- USA Today
Catalonia, Madrid ramp up rhetoric ahead of contested independence referendum -- DW
Tensions in Spain are rising over Catalonia's independence referendum -- Business Insider
Spain, Catalonia head for showdown over independence vote -- FOX News
With kids in tow, Catalonia's pro-independence parents occupy polling stations in mass act of civil disobedience -- Washington Post
The Catalonia vote is a bigger threat to the EU project than Brexit -- Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, Gulf Times
Timeline of recent events in Catalonia's independence drive -- Fox News