Catalonia
The Spanish government is facing calls from Catalan politicians and human rights groups to release jailed separatists, including two prominent pro-independence activists placed in pre-trial detention a year ago.
Amnesty International has called for the “immediate release” of Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, the leaders of two civil society groups who were jailed last October just over two weeks after an illegal independence referendum was held in Catalonia.
The rights group says their jailing is “excessive and disproportionate,” adding that the rebellion charges they face are “unjustified and, therefore, should be dropped.”
Sex Abuse
Spain’s bishops have set up a commission on child sex abuse in the Catholic Church, in preparation for a meeting next year called by Pope Francis to cope with a spreading sexual abuse crisis.
Facing scandals in the United States, Chile, Australia and Germany, among others, Francis has summoned the heads of the national Catholic bishops’ conference to a meeting in the Vatican in February.
The Spanish group, made up of church lawyers, will start work this week to prepare material for the meeting.
Ten Spanish priests were charged with child sexual abuse in 2015, in a case brought after Pope Francis telephoned the victim to offer the Church’s apology.
Mondays Football
SPAIN has come under fire from UEFA after jeers could be heard during England’s national anthem on Monday night.
As ‘God Save The Queen’ was played, boos and whistles were heard.
The news of a potential fine following the actions of some supporters, comes in the aftermath of alleged ‘English fans’ filmed trashing the streets of Sevilla forcing riot police to intervene.
An announcement was made addressing both sets of fans to respect each opposing nation’s national anthem.
However, the announcement was not heeded by some groups of supporters present in the stadium.
Racing Taxis
POLICE in Madrid have identified and arrested two drivers from an app-based taxi cab company who were filmed competing in illegal races over the weekend on an industrial estate.
A video emerged on social media showing an apparent illegal street race involving two cars during the early hours.
The specialist illegal street racing police division was charged with identifying the drivers and a full investigation begun.