Primavera Sound Sides With Catalan Politicians And Activists

Primavera Sound released a statement, after the Spanish Supreme Court imposed draconian sentences on nine Catalan leaders, who were instrumental in the 2017 independence bid to turn Catalonia into a republic independent from Spain.

Catalonia is an autonomous community in Spain’s northeast, designated as a nationality by its Statute of Autonomy. In 2017, Catalan leaders held a referendum, asking voters to decide if they wanted Catalonia to become an independent state in the form of a republic.

Of those that showed up to vote, an overwhelming majority voted for independence from Spain.

The Spanish government had the referendum banned on grounds that it breached the Spanish Constitution.

On Monday, Oct. 14, the Spanish Supreme Court sentenced nine of the 12 leaders to prison sentences ranging from nine to 13 years on grounds of sedition and the misuse of public funds.

The organisers of Primavera Sound, which takes place in the Catalan capital Barcelona, released the following statement:

“In the face of the guilty verdict from the Spanish Supreme Court against the Catalan politicians and activists, Primavera Sound manifests its unconditional support to the free exercise of democracy and of dialogue to reach an understanding to resolve political conflicts. The criminalisation of peaceful movements and civil demonstrations sets a dangerous precedent for everybody.

“From the team of people that make up Primavera Sound we want to show our empathy and support to all those condemned and to their families at this time. And, as always, we call for debate and serene, civil and peaceful expression.”

It’s not the first time, the Spanish government deals harshly with individuals taking an anti-government stance. Last year, Spanish rapper Jose Miguel Arenas, locally known by his alter ego Valtonyc, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for insulting Spain’s monarchy and advocating the use of violence in his lyrics.