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“I am not afraid”: Thousands in Barcelona march against terrorism

Taxis drivers, emergency workers and ordinary citizens who helped victims in the recent attack were followed by King Felipe VI, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, and public officials

Photo: AP
26/08/2017 |17:08AP |
Redacción El Universal
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A street-wide banner reading " No Tinc Por ," which means " I'm not afraid " in the local Catalan language led a massive rally on Saturday evening in Barcelona to reject violence and terrorism .

Taxis drivers, emergency workers and ordinary citizens who helped victims on August 17 and 18 were followed by King Felipe VI , Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy , and public officials.

Central, regional and local authorities tried to send an image of unity by walking behind emergency workers. This is the first time in Spanish history that a monarch joins a public demonstration.

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Still, some citizens whistled in rejection as authorities passed by and held banners criticizing the king's role in promoting military exports to Saudi Arabia .

The Islamic State ( IS ) group has claimed the attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils that killed 15 people and left over 120 injured . Eight suspects are dead, two are in jail and two more were freed by a judge but will remain under investigation.

“No Tinc Por” emerged from a spontaneous civic answer to violence into a slogan that Spain's government and political class has unanimously embraced.

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