Protests Against Spanish Rapper's Imprisonment Turn into Riots in Various Catalan Cities

Mass protests in Catalonia, Spain, sparked by the imprisonment of rapper Pablo Hasél, continue to escalate, reports TASS. In Barcelona, demonstrators have erected barricades, set trees and trash bins on fire, and thrown stones and bottles at the police. Participants in the protests have reportedly hurled various objects at the offices of 'El Periodico' newspaper.

It has been reported that during clashes today, one police officer was injured. Protests have also turned into riots in other Catalan cities, particularly in Sabadell and Tarragona, with law enforcement in Valencia forced to use force against demonstrators.

Protests began across different regions of Catalonia in response to rapper Pablo Hasél's nine-month prison sentence for promoting terrorism and insulting the crown. In some cities, the protests have descended into clashes between citizens and police, with demonstrators constructing barricades, setting motorcycles and bins ablaze, and throwing various objects at officers. In response, police have used rubber bullets against the protesters.