The department of economic affairs in downtown Barcelona was the epicentre for street protests yesterday, as 14 officials were arrested for their role in the organisation of the independence referendum scheduled for October 1st. Up to 40,000 people gathered outside the building at the corner of Rambla de Catalunya and Gran Vía, with protests continuing into the early hours of this morning. An ambulance was called as tensions culminated in police charges which led to a few demonstrators being injured. Protesters threw objects at the Mossos d’Esquadra and up to three Guardia Civil patrol cars were damaged. As the last of the Guardia Civil left the building, anti-riot police intervened to disperse the group. Protests continue today close to the Arc de Triomf, as thousands plead for the release of those arrested.
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