Catalan leaders accused Spanish police of brutality and repression while the Spanish government praised the security forces for behaving firmly and proportionately. Videos and photographs of the police actions were on the front page of news media outlets around the world. (Felipe Dana/Associated Press)WARSAW, Poland — European and world leaders are urging dialogue between Spain’s government and authorities in Catalonia, saying Monday they are worried about the potential for a further escalation of tensions after a violent crackdown by Spanish police during an independence referendum. With the Catalan parliament expected to declare independence in the next days, leaders stressed that talks are needed urgently. Catalonia said preliminary poll results showed 90 percent favored independence after less than half the electorate voted.

Source: Washington Post October 02, 2017 14:59 UTC