Pro-independence activists make barricades during a demonstration in Barcelona to mark the third anniversary of their thwarted independence referendum, Spain.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation during the 74th Independence Day celebrations, at Red Fort in New Delhi.
Demonstrators hold signs showing Catalan politician Oriol Junqueras as they protest outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France. Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont is expected to attend his first session as a member of the European Parliament despite facing an arrest warrant against him in Spain.
A man throws an object toward the end of a Catalan pro-independence protest outside the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain.
A boy poses for a photo in front of fires that burn toward the end of a Catalan pro-independence protest outside the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain.
Catalan pro-independence demonstrators gather outside the Camp Nou stadium ahead of a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Real Madrid in Barcelona, Spain. Thousands of police and private security personnel were deployed in and around Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium to ensure that a protest over Catalonia's separatist movement does not disrupt one of the world's most-watched soccer matches.
Pro-Catalan independence demonstrators block a major highway in Salt, Spain. French police have detained 18 pro-Catalan independence protesters and used pepper spray and batons to push back demonstrators who blocked a major highway border crossing between France and Spain for more than 24 hours.
French police officers remove pro-Catalan independence demonstrators blocking a major highway border pass near La Jonquera between Spain and France. Protesters following a call to action by a secretive pro-Catalan independence group have closed off both sides of the AP7 highway at the major transportation hub of La Jonquera between France and Spain.
Reporters photograph how protesters burn portraits of Spain's King Felipe during a protest outside the convention centre, as the Spanish Royal Family attends the Princess of Girona awards in Catalonia'a regional capital, Barcelona, Spain.
Students sit as they block an avenue, during a protest in Barcelona, Spain. Hundreds of young people have decided to camp this after Spain's Supreme Court convicted 12 separatist leaders of illegally promoting Catalonia region's independence and sentenced nine of them to prison.
Catalan pro-independence protesters march during a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. Hundreds of protesters, including students who are marching against the crackdown on a recent wave of riots in northeastern Catalonia, have gathered around the headquarters of the Spanish police in the regional capital shouting "Get out! Get out!".
Hong Kong protesters wave the Catalonia independence flag or ''Estelada'' in support of demonstrators in Spain's Catalonia region during a rally in Hong Kong.
Catalan pro-independence protesters demonstrate outside a national police station in downtown Barcelona, Spain. Catalonia's leader said that the recent massive protests in the region, which often spiralled into violent clashes with police, won't cease until the Spanish government agrees to listen to separatists' demands.
Catalan pro-independence protesters pour liquid soap into a fountain, a response to allegations by police that some protesters had used soap to sabotage police and make them slip over, as they stage a demonstration in downtown Barcelona, Spain.
Pro-independence demonstrators gather next to the department of Interior in Catalonia, during a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain.
Catalan pro-independence demonstrators gather after dumping garbage bags in Barcelona, Spain.
People hold up their phones with the torches switched on during a Catalan pro-independence protest in Barcelona, Spain.
A Catalonian independence flag is waved as people hold up their phones with the torches switched on during a Catalan pro-independence protest in Barcelona, Spain.
Protesters are dispersed by teargas thrown by national police officers, during clashes in Barcelona, Spain.
Protesters stand and crouch behind barricades on the fifth day of protests over the conviction of a dozen Catalan independence leaders in Barcelona, Spain.
A woman crosses through a street full of rubble during clashes between police and Catalan pro-independence protestors in Barcelona, Spain.
Demonstrators clash with police in Barcelona, Spain. Five marches of tens of thousands from inland towns are converging in Barcelona's center for a mass protest.
Police officers run past a burning barricade on the fifth day of protests over the conviction of a dozen Catalan independence leaders in Barcelona, Spain. Tens of thousands of flag-waving demonstrators demanding Catalonia's independence and the release from prison of their separatist leaders have flooded downtown Barcelona.
Protesters ride on tractors as they enter the city on the fifth day of protests over the conviction of a dozen Catalan independence leaders in Barcelona, Spain.
Pro-independence demonstrators march into the city on the fifth day of protests in Barcelona, Spain.
Protestors wave Estelada pro-independence flags during a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. Five marches of tens of thousands from inland towns are converging in Barcelona's center for a mass protest.
Protesters match into the city on the fifth day of protests over the conviction of a dozen Catalan independence leaders in Barcelona, Spain.
Protesters march into the city on the fifth day of protests over the conviction of a dozen Catalan independence leaders in Barcelona, Spain. Various flights into and out of the region are cancelled Friday due to a general strike called by pro-independence unions and five marches of tens of thousands from inland towns are expected converge in Barcelona's center on Friday afternoon for a mass protest with students to and workers who are on strike.
Right wing pro-Spanish unity supporters light flares during a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. Catalonia's separatist leader vowed to hold a new vote to secede from Spain in less than two years as the embattled northeastern region grapples with a wave of violence that has tarnished a movement proud of its peaceful activism.
Demonstrators walk along a highway in Girona, Spain. Thousands of people have joined five large protest marches across Catalonia that are set to converge on Barcelona, as the restive region reels from two straight days of violent clashes between police and protesters. The marches set off from several Catalan towns and aimed to reach the Catalan capital by Friday.
Firefighters and residents try to put out fires burning cars during clashes between protestors and police in Barcelona, Spain.
A car catches fire next to a burning barricade during clashes between protestors and police in Barcelona, Spain. 0Spain's government said it would do whatever it takes to stamp out violence in Catalonia, where clashes between regional independence supporters and police have injured more than 200 people in two days.
Policemen in riot gear move past a burning barricade during clashes with protestors in Barcelona, Spain.
A protestors raises his fist at police across a burning barricade during clashes between protestors and police in Barcelona, Spain.
Policemen in riot gear charge against protestors in Barcelona, Spain. Spain's Supreme Court convicted 12 former Catalan politicians and activists for their roles in a secession bid in 2017, a ruling that immediately inflamed independence supporters in the wealthy northeastern region.
Police charge against demonstrators during clashes outside El Prat airport in Barcelona, Spain.
Protesters block the roads leading to El Prat airport, outskirts of Barcelona, Spain. Spain's Supreme Court sentenced 12 prominent former Catalan politicians and activists to lengthly prison terms for their roles in a 2017 bid to gain Catalonia's independence, sparking protests across the wealthy Spanish region. The banners in the center read in Catalan "Freedom Political Prisoners"
A policeman in riot gear takes position outside El Prat airport in Barcelona, Spain. Riot police have charged at protesters outside Barcelona's airport after the Supreme Court sentenced 12 prominent Catalan separatists to lengthy prison terms for their roles in a 2017 push for the wealthy Spanish region's independence.
Protesters hold esteladas or independence flags as they take part in a demonstration during the Catalan National Day in Barcelona, Spain.
Protesters hold esteladas or Catalan independence flags as they take part in a demonstration during the Catalan National Day in Barcelona, Spain. The Sept. 11 holiday memorializes the fall of Barcelona in the Spanish War of Succession in 1714. Since 2012, it has become the date of massive rallies for the region's secessionist movement.
A pro independence protester holds the symbol of Catalonia independence while take part in a protest calling for justice after the sentencing of 12 years for seven of the eight defendants who were involved in a clash with police, in the small town of Alsasua, northern Spain.
Catalan pro-independence demonstrators wave "esteladas," or separatist flags during a rally in Madrid, Spain. Tens of thousands are marching in Madrid to support Catalan politicians and activists standing trial for their attempt to secede from Spain. The nine defendants face decades in prison on rebellion and other charges for staging a banned referendum in October 2017 and declaring Catalan independence.
Catalan pro-independence demonstrators hold "estelada," or separatist flags, as they arrive to Madrid, Spain. Demonstrators made their way to Spain's capital to show support for former regional politicians who they consider political prisoners and are the defendants in an ongoing trial related to 2017 independence push.
Catalan police officers clash with demonstrators outside a subway after blocking a train rail, during a general strike in Catalonia, Spain. Protesters backing Catalonia's secession from Spain clashed with police and blocked major roads and train tracks across the northeastern region on Thursday during a strike called to protest the trial of a dozen separatist leaders.
Police officers try to remove burning tires, set by demonstrators to block a highway in protest of the imprisonment of pro-independence political leaders during a general strike in Catalonia, Spain.
Demonstrators gather in central Barcelona, during a general strike in Catalonia, Spain. Strikers advocating for Catalonia's secession from Spain are blocking major highways, train lines and roads across the northeastern region.
Pro independence masked demonstrators, one displaying an estelada or independence flag, march, during a demonstration supporting the imprisoned pro-independence political leaders in the basque city of San Sebastian, northern Spain.
Pro independence demonstrators march waving esteladas or independece flags, during a demonstration supporting the imprisoned pro-indenpence political leaders in Barcelona, Spain.
Pro independence demonstrators march waving esteladas or independence flags, during a demonstration supporting the imprisoned pro-independence political leaders in Barcelona, Spain.
Pro independence basque demonstrators march waving esteladas or independence flags with yellow umbrellas calling for the rights, democracy and the freedom during a demonstration supporting the imprisoned pro-indenpence political leaders in the basque city of San Sebastian, northern Spain. Many thousands of Catalan separatists marched yesterday in Barcelona to proclaim the innocence of 12 of their leaders who are on trial for their role in a failed 2017 secession bid.
Police charge against protesters during a demonstration by CDR (Committees for the Defense of the Republic) in Barcelona, Spain. The CDR is a grassroots group that organizes protests in Catalonia to press their demand for independence.
Demonstrators use the light of their devices, during a protest in support of Catalonian politicians and leaders of two civil society groups who have been jailed on charges of sedition in Barcelona, Spain.
Demonstrators use the light of their devices, during a protest in support of Catalonian politicians and leaders of two civil society groups who have been jailed on charges of sedition in Barcelona, Spain. Politicians, rights groups and citizens across Catalonia are calling for the release of jailed separatists as they mark one year since two prominent pro-independence activists, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, leaders of two civil society groups _ ANC and Omnium Cultural, respectively _ were put in pre-trial detention. Main banner reads en Catalan "Freedom".
Catalan regional President Quim Torra, centre, holds a banner reading in Catalan "one year of shame, on year of dignity" during a protest in support of Catalonian politicians and leaders of two civil society groups who have been jailed on charges of sedition in Barcelona, Spain. Politicians, rights groups and citizens across Catalonia are calling for the release of jailed separatists as they mark one year since two prominent pro-independence activists, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, leaders of two civil society groups _ ANC and Omnium Cultural, respectively _ were put in pre-trial detention.
Pro independence demonstrators, march during a protest in Barcelona, Spain. Pro-secession activists in Catalonia have blocked major highways, train lines and avenues across the northeastern region on the anniversary of a banned referendum that was crushed by police and failed to deliver independence from Spain. The banner reads in Catalan "Never forgetting, never forgiving".
Pro-independence demonstrators push down barriers separating them from the police during a protest in Girona, Spain.
Pro independence demonstrators run away from police officers, during clashes erupted following a protest in Barcelona, Spain.
Pro-independence demonstrators stand on the middle of a street facing Catalan police officers during a protest In Barcelona, Spain.
Pro independence demonstrators react to police officers during clashes erupted following a protest in Barcelona, Spain.
Pro independence demonstrators make a barricade, during clashes erupted following a protest in Barcelona, Spain.
A pro independence demonstrator throws garbage at a police van, during clashes following a protest in Barcelona, Spain.
Hundreds of Pro independence demonstrators march during a protest for the anniversary of the banned referendum in Barcelona, Spain.
Pro independence demonstrators, some holding ballot boxes used during the independence referendum, march past the Arc de Triomf during a protest in Barcelona, Spain.
Pro independence demonstrators, some holding ballot boxes used during the independence referendum, march during a protest in Barcelona, Spain.
Pro independence demonstrators throw paint at autonomous police officers during a protest in Girona, Spain. Pro-secession activists in Catalonia have blocked major highways, train lines and avenues across the northeastern region on the anniversary of a banned referendum that was crushed by police and failed to deliver independence from Spain.
Catalan police officers clash with pro independence demonstrators on their way to meet demonstrations by member and supporters of National Police and Guardia Civil, as colored powder is seen in the air after being thrown by protesters, in Barcelona.
Pro independence demonstrators throw paint at Catalan police officers during clashes in Barcelona, Spain.
Protesters, holding banners that read in Catalan: "We will not stop", gather to mark the first year since Spanish police began searching the regional government buildings and arresting Catalan officials, in Barcelona, Spain. Thousands of Catalan pro-independence activists are protesting in Barcelona to mark the first anniversary of demonstrations that fired up the region's secessionist drive and brought Spain's worst political crisis in decades.
Pro-Independence demonstrators pack the Avenida Diagonal during the Catalan National Day in Barcelona, Spain.
Pro-Independence demonstrators fill-up La Diagonal, one Barcelona's main avenues, during the Catalan National Day in Barcelona, Spain.
People wave independence flags as they gather along the most important avenue of Barcelona, Spain as they celebrate the Catalan National Day.
Demonstrators raise their hands during a demonstration marking the Catalan National Day in Barcelona, Spain. Hundreds of thousands Catalans have shouted in a collective roar along a main artery of Barcelona to demand independence from Spain. September 11, called "Diada", marks the fall of the Catalan capital to Spanish forces in 1714.
Anti-independence supporters take part in a protest against Catalan secession in Barcelona, Spain.
Anti-independence supporters during a protest against Catalan secession in Barcelona, Spain. A few thousand Spaniards are marching in Barcelona in favor of national unity and against the separatist movement in northeastern Catalonia.
Demonstrators take part during a protest in support of the imprisoned politicians in Barcelona. The new leaders of Spain and Catalonia have agreed on opening a bilateral dialogue over the future of the prosperous northeastern region in the first breakthrough in the years-long political standoff between the central and regional governments.
Demonstrators take part during a protest in support of the imprisoned politicians in Barcelona.
A man holds a 'Estelada', the pro-independence Catalan flag during a protest in support of the imprisoned politicians in Barcelona. The new leaders of Spain and Catalonia have agreed on opening a bilateral dialogue over the future of the prosperous northeastern region in the first breakthrough in the years-long political standoff between the central and regional governments.
Demonstrators take part during a protest in support of the imprisoned politicians in Barcelona. The Spanish government says nine politicians who were jailed for promoting the Catalonia region's secession are being moved to prisons closer to their homes.
Demonstrators take part during a protest in support of the imprisoned politicians in Barcelona. The Spanish government says nine politicians who were jailed for promoting the Catalonia region's secession are being moved to prisons closer to their homes.
An anti-independence supporter wearing sunglasses decorated with the colours of the Spanish flag, takes part in a protest in Barcelona, Spain.
Anti-independence supporters take part in a protest as they hold Spanish flags and banners in Barcelona, Spain. Fervent Catalan secessionist Quim Torra was sworn as the restive Spanish region's new leader, with his demands for an independent Catalonia set to prolong a standoff with Spain's national government.
Demonstrators burn a yellow flare during a protest in support of the imprisoned politicians in Barcelona, Spain. Catalonia's newly elected president is showing no sign of backing down from the region's political standoff with Spanish authorities, insisting he wants jailed former lawmakers to join his pro-independence Catalan government.
Demonstrators gather during a protest in support of the imprisoned politicians in Barcelona, Spain. Catalonia's newly elected president is showing no sign of backing down from the region's political standoff with Spanish authorities, insisting he wants jailed former lawmakers to join his pro-independence Catalan government. Banners read in Catalan: "Republic is freedom".
A man protests in support of the imprisoned politicians, outside Palau Generalitat, in Sant Jaume square, in Barcelona, Spain. Quim Torra formally took office as the Spanish region's new leader at a ceremony in the Catalan capital, Barcelona. He was elected by the Catalan parliament's secessionist lawmakers.
Demonstrators gather during a protest in support of the imprisoned politicians, in center Barcelona. Their subsequent declaration of independence for the region led to a crackdown by Spanish authorities acting to defend the Spanish Constitution, which declares the nation "indivisible. Banners read in Catalan: "Republic is freedom".
Demonstrators gather during a protest in support of the imprisoned politicians, in center Barcelona, Spain. Separatist lawmakers defied court orders and held an ad-hoc referendum on independence in October. Their subsequent declaration of independence for the region led to a crackdown by Spanish authorities acting to defend the Spanish Constitution, which declares the nation "indivisible.
Demonstrators gather during a protest in support of the imprisoned politicians, at the Sant Jaume square, Barcelona, Spain. Separatist lawmakers defied court orders and held an ad-hoc referendum on independence in October. Their subsequent declaration of independence for the region led to a crackdown by Spanish authorities acting to defend the Spanish Constitution, which declares the nation "indivisible." Banners read in Catalan: "Freedom for the political prisoners".
People place yellow roses on a memorial for jailed separatists, whom independence supporters consider to be political prisoners, as Catalans celebrate the day of their patron saint, Spain. One of the most important holidays in Catalan culture, the day of Sant Jordi or Saint George in English, coincides with World Book Day. To mark the date, lovers close friends and family traditionally gift each other with a red rose and a book. But many Catalans this year are using the holiday to make a political statement.
Demonstrators wave esteladas or independence flags in Barcelona, Spain during a protest in support of Catalonian politicians who have been jailed on charges of sedition. Tens of thousands of Catalan separatists rallied in downtown Barcelona to demand the release of high-profile secessionist leaders being held in pre-trial detention.
A girl with the face painted with a estelada or independence flag poses for a photographer in Barcelona, Spain during a protest in support of Catalonian politicians who have been jailed on charges of sedition. Tens of thousands of Catalan separatists rallied in downtown Barcelona to demand the release of high-profile secessionist leaders being held in pre-trial detention.
People hold placards reading in Catalan "I am CDR (Committees for the Defense of the Republic)" during a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. Spanish authorities detained seven people in Catalonia as part of a crackdown on disturbances associated with the region's attempts to secede from Spain, saying one of those arrested was suspected of terrorism. .
A man holds a placard reading in Catalan "I am CDR (Committees for the Defense of the Republic)" during a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain.
Protesters gather to condemn the latest detentions of CDR members in Catalonia, during a demonstration in front of the Palau Generalitat in Barcelona, Spain. Spanish authorities detained seven people in Catalonia as part of a crackdown on disturbances associated with the region's attempts to secede from Spain, saying one of those arrested was suspected of terrorism.
Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont smiles when giving a press statement after he was released on bail from the prison in Neumuenster, northern Germany.
People wear white masks in support of Catalonian politicians jailed on charges of sedition and condemning the arrest of Catalonia's former president, Carles Puigdemont, in Germany, during a protest in Figures, Spain.
People wear white masks in support of Catalonian politicians jailed on charges of sedition and condemning the arrest of Catalonia's former president, Carles Puigdemont, in Germany, during a protest in Figures, Spain. A German court has ruled that former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont can be released on bail pending a decision on his possible extradition to Spain.
