European Commission refuses to condemn Spanish police violence in Catalonia as UN demands investigation

The European Commission today refused to condemn Spanish police violence against supporters of Catalan independence in Barcelona yesterday, as its president Jean-Claude Juncker expressed “trust” in the leadership of Spain's prime minister Mariano Rajoy.

Rubber bullets were fired into crowds and polling stations were stormed by Madrid’s Guardia Civil as the violence escalated during Sunday’s illegal referendum vote.

More than 800 were left injured after the clashes, which saw the region’s fire service attempt to protect the voters and the EU plunged into a crisis of confidence.

The top United Nations human rights official called on Spanish authorities on Monday to investigate thoroughly and impartially violence linked to Catalonia's independence referendum, and to hold talks to resolve the secession issue.