Agents of the National Police Corps dismantled a planned action by an independence group during the blessing ceremony of the Sagrada Familia's Tower of Jesus. According to police sources, dozens of singers had instructions to perform "Els Segadors" off-script and display independence flags, an initiative that was aborted by the event's security, which included the presence of the King and ministers.
The police intervention prevented the papal visit from being overshadowed by political demands. Several media outlets reported that officers detected cards with the 'estelada' flag and protest instructions among the singers' sheet music. Although the Mossos d'Esquadra cordoned off the area, internal security of the basilica was the responsibility of the National Police.
This action has drawn criticism from independence sectors, who speak of "censorship" and "shielding" of the event. Some of the expelled singers have denounced the lack of transparency and intensified security checks, suggesting the presence of plainclothes officers.
In parallel, security in Barcelona has been shaken by an increase in shootings. The Mossos d'Esquadra attribute these incidents to "organized crime structures," primarily linked to Balkan mafias. In recent months, six people have died from firearms in Catalonia, and injuries have also increased significantly.
Police authorities indicate that drug traffickers are among the most concerning groups, as disputes between national and international criminal groups are increasingly resolved with violence in public spaces. The risk of uninvolved individuals being injured or killed is warned, as occurred in a recent murder in the city.
The Interior Ministry has called for harsher penalties for firearm possession and marijuana trafficking to combat this escalation of violence. The situation has also caused discontent among residents, as demonstrated by the rebellion against the closure of Collserola Park due to swine fever, which severely affects the meat industry.
