Spanish police in riot gear seized ballot boxes and surrounded activist-held polling stations in Catalonia Sunday as thousands flooded the streets to vote in an independence referendum banned by Madrid.

As the vote officially opened, scenes of chaos erupted as police began moving in to prevent people from casting their ballots, forcing their way into one sports centre in the town of Girona where the region`s separatist leader was due to vote.&nbsp;

The drama unfolded after a night of tension in which thousands of people, both nervous and excited, had gathered outside polling stations before dawn to vote, with police under orders to prevent the ballot from happening.

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<h5>Votarem, votarem!&#39; -- Catalan for &#39;We will vote!&#39; -- the crowds chanted</h5>
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&quot;Votarem, votarem!&quot; -- Catalan for &quot;We will vote!&quot; -- chanted the crowds, many with their hands in the air.&nbsp;

As the rain poured down in Barcelona, students and activists who had spent the night in schools designated as polling stations gathered outside with locals to &quot;defend&quot; the vote from police as cars drove by honking their horns in support.

Catalan television broadcast footage of crowds in towns and villages all over region, whose separatist government said early Sunday the referendum would go ahead as planned.&nbsp;

Although the region is divided over independence, most people want to vote on the matter in legal, binding plebiscite.

&quot;The government today is in a position to affirm that we can celebrate the referendum of self-determination -- not as we wanted, but (it will have democratic) guarantees,&quot; Catalan government spokesman Jordi Turull told a news conference.But the interior ministry said it had started seizing ballot boxes, adding police were &quot;continuing to deploy in Catalonia&quot; to stop the referendum.

Spain`s central government is staunchly against the vote, which has been ruled unconstitutional by the courts, and has vowed to stop it from taking place.

On orders of judges and prosecutors, police have seized ballot papers, detained key organisers and shut down websites promoting the vote.

But on the streets early Sunday, voters were determined to be heard.

&quot;Today is a historic day for us, it`s terrific,&quot; Maria Rosa Pi-Sunyer Arguimbau, 55, said after a man carrying a ballot box jumped out of a car and ran to the door, depositing it inside as two police officers looked on across the street.

The ballot boxes have been at the centre of attention during the referendum crisis, with many wondering exactly where they were hidden and how they would be delivered to polling stations, as police were ordered to seize any material related to the referendum.

But as people crowded in front of polling stations, they started to arrive, carried in by individuals. It was as yet unclear where they came from.The planned referendum has sown divisions among Catalans and stoked passions further afield in Spain.

Whatever happens, Sunday`s referendum result will not be recognised by Madrid, and almost certainly not by the international community.

But separatist leaders are banking on a high turnout to give legitimacy to their vote.

Spain`s interior ministry said Saturday police had closed most of the 2,315 polling stations across Catalonia.

But dozens were occupied by teachers, parents, students and activists determined to let people in anyway.

Some schools designated as polling stations imagined innovative ways to stay open, organising leisure activities all over the weekend, from kids` pyjama parties to volleyball games.

A regional government source said voting may also take place in other places like health centres and even retirement homes.

Farmers and firefighters have also pledged to protect polling stations.Earlier this week, the Mossos d`Esquadra Catalan police warned about the risk of &quot;disruption of public order&quot; if people were prevented from casting ballots.

Ignacio Sellares, a 56-year-old tax consultant at a polling station in Barcelona said he wasn`t scared.

&quot;Having said that, if police come with weapons and water cannons, I`m getting out of here fast!&quot;.

Madrid has sent thousands of extra police officers from other forces to Catalonia to stop the referendum from happening.

On Saturday, Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont called on those going to vote to maintain a &quot;peaceful attitude&quot;.

That same day, thousands took to the streets across the country -- including in Barcelona -- in favour of national unity.

As well as being critical of Puigdemont, some protesters also faulted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy`s conservative government for limiting its response to the crisis to repeating that the referendum is unconstitutional.

&quot;The state needs to explain the benefits of remaining united, instead of repeating all the time that the referendum is illegal,&quot; said Rafael Castillo, a 59-year-old engineer at a Madrid rally, wearing a scarf with the Spanish flag around his neck.

Spanish police in riot gear seized ballot boxes and surrounded activist-held polling stations

Spanish police in riot gear seized ballot boxes and surrounded activist-held polling stations in Catalonia Sunday as thousands flooded the streets to vote in an independence referendum banned by Madrid. As the vote officially opened, scenes of chaos erupted as police began moving in to prevent people from casting their ballots, forcing their way into one sports centre in the town of Girona where the region`s separatist leader was due to vote. The drama unfolded after a night of tension in which thousands of people, both nervous and excited, had gathered outside polling stations before dawn to vote, with police under orders to prevent the ballot from happening. Votarem, votarem!' -- Catalan for 'We will vote!' -- the crowds chanted × "Votarem, votarem!" -- Catalan for "We will vote!" -- chanted the crowds, many with their hands in the air. As the rain poured down in Barcelona, students and activists who had spent the night in schools designated as polling stations gathered outside with locals to "defend" the vote from police as cars drove by honking their horns in support. Catalan television broadcast footage of crowds in towns and villages all over region, whose separatist government said early Sunday the referendum would go ahead as planned. Although the region is divided over independence, most people want to vote on the matter in legal, binding plebiscite. "The government today is in a position to affirm that we can celebrate the referendum of self-determination -- not as we wanted, but (it will have democratic) guarantees," Catalan government spokesman Jordi Turull told a news conference.But the interior ministry said it had started seizing ballot boxes, adding police were "continuing to deploy in Catalonia" to stop the referendum. Spain`s central government is staunchly against the vote, which has been ruled unconstitutional by the courts, and has vowed to stop it from taking place. On orders of judges and prosecutors, police have seized ballot papers, detained key organisers and shut down websites promoting the vote. But on the streets early Sunday, voters were determined to be heard. "Today is a historic day for us, it`s terrific," Maria Rosa Pi-Sunyer Arguimbau, 55, said after a man carrying a ballot box jumped out of a car and ran to the door, depositing it inside as two police officers looked on across the street. The ballot boxes have been at the centre of attention during the referendum crisis, with many wondering exactly where they were hidden and how they would be delivered to polling stations, as police were ordered to seize any material related to the referendum. But as people crowded in front of polling stations, they started to arrive, carried in by individuals. It was as yet unclear where they came from.The planned referendum has sown divisions among Catalans and stoked passions further afield in Spain. Whatever happens, Sunday`s referendum result will not be recognised by Madrid, and almost certainly not by the international community. But separatist leaders are banking on a high turnout to give legitimacy to their vote. Spain`s interior ministry said Saturday police had closed most of the 2,315 polling stations across Catalonia. But dozens were occupied by teachers, parents, students and activists determined to let people in anyway. Some schools designated as polling stations imagined innovative ways to stay open, organising leisure activities all over the weekend, from kids` pyjama parties to volleyball games. A regional government source said voting may also take place in other places like health centres and even retirement homes. Farmers and firefighters have also pledged to protect polling stations.Earlier this week, the Mossos d`Esquadra Catalan police warned about the risk of "disruption of public order" if people were prevented from casting ballots. Ignacio Sellares, a 56-year-old tax consultant at a polling station in Barcelona said he wasn`t scared. "Having said that, if police come with weapons and water cannons, I`m getting out of here fast!". Madrid has sent thousands of extra police officers from other forces to Catalonia to stop the referendum from happening. On Saturday, Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont called on those going to vote to maintain a "peaceful attitude". That same day, thousands took to the streets across the country -- including in Barcelona -- in favour of national unity. As well as being critical of Puigdemont, some protesters also faulted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy`s conservative government for limiting its response to the crisis to repeating that the referendum is unconstitutional. "The state needs to explain the benefits of remaining united, instead of repeating all the time that the referendum is illegal," said Rafael Castillo, a 59-year-old engineer at a Madrid rally, wearing a scarf with the Spanish flag around his neck.

Spain: Police move in as Catalonians begin to vote in independence referendum

Spanish riot police fired rubber bullets and forced their way into activist-held polling stations in Catalonia on Sunday as thousands flooded the streets to vote in an independence referendum banned by Madrid.

At least 91 people were injured in clashes, emergency services said, as police cracked down down on what the Spanish central government has branded a &quot;farce&quot;.

&quot;Spanish democracy faces its greatest challenge,&quot; headlined top-selling El Pais daily just hours before police moved in en masse to seal off polling stations and seize ballot boxes, sparking scuffles as they sought to block the vote.&nbsp;

More than 5.3 million people have been called upon to have their say on independence from Spain in the wealthy northeastern region which has its own distinct language and culture.&nbsp;

The referendum poses the question: &quot;Do you want Catalonia to become an independent state in the form of a republic?&quot;

But it has been ruled unconstitutional by the central government and the courts, with judicial officials ordering police to seize ballot papers, detain key organisers and shut down websites promoting the vote.

Thousands of Spanish police fanned out across the region on Sunday, forcing their way into polling stations.

&#39;Unjustified violence&#39; 
In central Barcelona, riot police charged at demonstrators who were sitting on the ground blocking their way after they raided a polling station at a school, witnesses said.

They said police also fired rubber bullets, with one man showing AFP a leg injury he suffered.

The crackdown drew a sharp rebuke from Catalan leaders.&nbsp;

&quot;The unjustified use of violence, which is both irrational and irresponsible, by the Spanish state will not stop the will of the Catalan people,&quot; Catalan president Carles Puigdemont said.

The police, he said, had used &quot;batons, rubber bullets and indiscriminate force&quot; against people demonstrating &quot;peacefully&quot;.

&quot;The head of a cowardly government has flooded our city with police,&quot; Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau wrote on Twitter, adding: &quot;Barcelona city of peace, we are not afraid&quot; -- a slogan coined after August&#39;s jihadist rampage that killed 16 people.

&#39;I voted, I voted!&#39; 
Riot police also stormed a polling station near Girona, smashing the glass doors of the sports centre where Puigdemont was due to vote, then cutting a chain to force their way in.&nbsp;

But the regional government said Puigdemont had managed to vote anyway, tweeting pictures of him casting his ballot in Cornella del Terri, 10 kilometres (six miles) away, and in several areas voting was reported to be peaceful.&nbsp;

The drama unfolded after a night of tension in which thousands of people had gathered outside polling stations before dawn, joining those who had spent the night camped inside to ensure they would be open on the day.

Under a sea of umbrellas outside a school in Barcelona, a mixed crowd gathered, among them elderly people in wheelchairs, families with buggies and parents clutching toddlers by the hand. With no police in sight, they were able to cast their ballots, prompting scenes of jubilation.&nbsp;

&quot;I&#39;ve voted! I&#39;ve voted,&quot; one man shouted.&nbsp;

&quot;That&#39;s the great hope, to be able to vote freely like this despite the problems we&#39;ve faced, I&#39;m very happy. I can die peacefully,&quot; added Jose Mas Ribas, 79.

Elsewhere in Barcelona, rows of police vans lined the streets, their blue lights flashing as officers in riot gear, some carrying heavy bolt cutters, walked past crowds outside another polling station.

&quot;Votarem, votarem!&quot; -- Catalan for &quot;We will vote!&quot; -- they chanted, many with their hands in the air.&nbsp;

- &#39;End this farce&#39; - 
Although Catalans are divided over independence, most want to vote on the matter in legal, binding plebiscite.

The Spanish government&#39;s representative in Catalonia placed the blame for the chaos on the regional leadership. &nbsp;

&quot;Puigdemont and his team are solely responsible for all that has happened today and for all that can happen if they do not put an end to this farce,&quot; Enric Millo told a news conference.

&quot;The sole objective of today&rsquo;s operation has been to ensure that this illegal referendum does not take place and the Spanish and Catalan people can continue to live in peace and liberty as they have these past 40 years.&quot;

Over-taxed, under-funded 
Pro-separatist lawmakers in Catalonia have pushed for an independence referendum since September 2015 when they won a narrow majority of 72 seats in the region&#39;s parliament.&nbsp;

Although Catalonia already has significant control over education, healthcare and welfare, the region says it pays more in taxes than it receives from Madrid.

This has sparked resentment which has been further exacerbated by Spain&#39;s economic doldrums and helped push the secessionist cause.

The Catalan government says independence would leave the region richer and more able to protect its language and culture

The referendum law foresees a declaration of independence within 48 hours of a &#39;Yes&#39; vote. But it remains unclear what the regional government will actually do so, although whatever happens, the outcome will not be recognised by Madrid.

The conservative government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has come under fire for limiting its response to the crisis to repeating that the referendum is unconstitutional.

&quot;The state needs to explain the benefits of remaining united, instead of repeating all the time that the referendum is illegal,&quot; said Rafael Castillo, a 59-year-old engineer at a Madrid rally, wearing a scarf with the Spanish flag around his neck.

In central Barcelona, riot police charged at demonstrators who were sitting on the ground blocking their way

Spanish riot police fired rubber bullets and forced their way into activist-held polling stations in Catalonia on Sunday as thousands flooded the streets to vote in an independence referendum banned by Madrid. At least 91 people were injured in clashes, emergency services said, as police cracked down down on what the Spanish central government has branded a "farce". "Spanish democracy faces its greatest challenge," headlined top-selling El Pais daily just hours before police moved in en masse to seal off polling stations and seize ballot boxes, sparking scuffles as they sought to block the vote. More than 5.3 million people have been called upon to have their say on independence from Spain in the wealthy northeastern region which has its own distinct language and culture. The referendum poses the question: "Do you want Catalonia to become an independent state in the form of a republic?" But it has been ruled unconstitutional by the central government and the courts, with judicial officials ordering police to seize ballot papers, detain key organisers and shut down websites promoting the vote. Thousands of Spanish police fanned out across the region on Sunday, forcing their way into polling stations. 'Unjustified violence' In central Barcelona, riot police charged at demonstrators who were sitting on the ground blocking their way after they raided a polling station at a school, witnesses said. They said police also fired rubber bullets, with one man showing AFP a leg injury he suffered. The crackdown drew a sharp rebuke from Catalan leaders. "The unjustified use of violence, which is both irrational and irresponsible, by the Spanish state will not stop the will of the Catalan people," Catalan president Carles Puigdemont said. The police, he said, had used "batons, rubber bullets and indiscriminate force" against people demonstrating "peacefully". "The head of a cowardly government has flooded our city with police," Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau wrote on Twitter, adding: "Barcelona city of peace, we are not afraid" -- a slogan coined after August's jihadist rampage that killed 16 people. 'I voted, I voted!' Riot police also stormed a polling station near Girona, smashing the glass doors of the sports centre where Puigdemont was due to vote, then cutting a chain to force their way in. But the regional government said Puigdemont had managed to vote anyway, tweeting pictures of him casting his ballot in Cornella del Terri, 10 kilometres (six miles) away, and in several areas voting was reported to be peaceful. The drama unfolded after a night of tension in which thousands of people had gathered outside polling stations before dawn, joining those who had spent the night camped inside to ensure they would be open on the day. Under a sea of umbrellas outside a school in Barcelona, a mixed crowd gathered, among them elderly people in wheelchairs, families with buggies and parents clutching toddlers by the hand. With no police in sight, they were able to cast their ballots, prompting scenes of jubilation. "I've voted! I've voted," one man shouted. "That's the great hope, to be able to vote freely like this despite the problems we've faced, I'm very happy. I can die peacefully," added Jose Mas Ribas, 79. Elsewhere in Barcelona, rows of police vans lined the streets, their blue lights flashing as officers in riot gear, some carrying heavy bolt cutters, walked past crowds outside another polling station. "Votarem, votarem!" -- Catalan for "We will vote!" -- they chanted, many with their hands in the air. - 'End this farce' - Although Catalans are divided over independence, most want to vote on the matter in legal, binding plebiscite. The Spanish government's representative in Catalonia placed the blame for the chaos on the regional leadership. "Puigdemont and his team are solely responsible for all that has happened today and for all that can happen if they do not put an end to this farce," Enric Millo told a news conference. "The sole objective of today’s operation has been to ensure that this illegal referendum does not take place and the Spanish and Catalan people can continue to live in peace and liberty as they have these past 40 years." Over-taxed, under-funded Pro-separatist lawmakers in Catalonia have pushed for an independence referendum since September 2015 when they won a narrow majority of 72 seats in the region's parliament. Although Catalonia already has significant control over education, healthcare and welfare, the region says it pays more in taxes than it receives from Madrid. This has sparked resentment which has been further exacerbated by Spain's economic doldrums and helped push the secessionist cause. The Catalan government says independence would leave the region richer and more able to protect its language and culture The referendum law foresees a declaration of independence within 48 hours of a 'Yes' vote. But it remains unclear what the regional government will actually do so, although whatever happens, the outcome will not be recognised by Madrid. The conservative government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has come under fire for limiting its response to the crisis to repeating that the referendum is unconstitutional. "The state needs to explain the benefits of remaining united, instead of repeating all the time that the referendum is illegal," said Rafael Castillo, a 59-year-old engineer at a Madrid rally, wearing a scarf with the Spanish flag around his neck.

Catalonia: At least 91 hurt in crackdown on independence vote, police fire rubber bullets

Spain is on tenterhooks as the crisis between Catalan separatist leaders and the central government reaches fever-pitch ahead of an independence referendum banned by Madrid&nbsp;on Sunday.

The showdown is one of Spain&#39;s biggest political crisis since the end of the dictatorship of Francisco Franco four decades ago and it has Catalonia deeply divided.

So how did the situation get so out of hand?

Catalan separatists called the referendum on September 6 despite a ban by Spain&#39;s Constitutional Court and with little debate allowed in the regional parliament.

Since then, web closures, detentions and the seizure of millions of ballots don&#39;t appear to have dampened the enthusiasm of the separatists in this wealthy northeastern region which is home to 16 percent of Spain&#39;s population.

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<h5>On the subject of independence, Catalonia is divided almost down the middle... even within families</h5>
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When the organisers have been fined thousands of euros, activists have raised funds.

Ballot papers seized? They have called on people to print more.

And when internet sites promoting the referendum are blocked, others re-open.

Determined to block the illegal vote, the state has deployed thousands of police to Catalonia, some of them housed in ferries in the ports of Barcelona and Tarragona. One of the boats is decorated with giant Looney Tunes cartoon characters, including Tweety.

Cue the hashtag #FreeTweety, which has become a worldwide trending topic on Twitter, the little yellow bird becoming an emblem of Catalans who want to vote.

Catexit

But the potential independence of Catalonia, roughly the size of Belgium and contributing 19 percent of Spain&#39;s economy, is no laughing matter.

The consequences are hard to predict, leading to comparisons with Britain&#39;s decision to quit the European Union, which was made at a referendum in June 2016.

&quot;It&#39;s like the Brexit, just as stupid,&quot; says Beatriz Migens, a 43-year-old from the southern city of Seville, on the high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona where she spends two days a week for work.

In Madrid, Rodrigo Marrero, a lawyer from the Canary Islands who works in the Spanish capital, says: &quot;If Catalonia left, it would be like losing a limb.&quot;

&quot;Everyone I know is dismayed, we talk of nothing else.&quot;

For his part, Ferran Mascarell, who represents the Catalan executive in Madrid, says there has long been resentment among Catalans who feel that Madrid holds them in contempt.

But the impact of Spain&#39;s economic crisis, followed by the Constitutional Court&#39;s partial cancellation in 2010 of a statute giving Catalonia greater autonomy, turned this into outright anger, he adds.

&quot;It&#39;s the result of a revolt of the middle-class against the state, which isn&#39;t doing its job right.&quot;

But those who oppose independence, particularly the Ciudadanos party, believe it is about more than that

They claim that some politicians have used the struggle for independence as a way to divert attention from corruption cases in Catalonia and mismanagement of the region.

&#39;We will vote&#39;

Catalonia has its own language and culture but out of its 7.5 million inhabitants, more than half come from elsewhere, such as those whose parents or grandparents migrated from other parts of Spain.

And on the subject of independence, Catalonia is divided almost down the middle... even within families.

But more than 70 percent of Catalans want to settle the matter once and for all in a legal referendum, according to opinion polls.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, though, refuses. He has repeatedly said any such referendum would contravene the very Constitution that Catalans overwhelmingly ratified in 1978.

He is also reluctant to open a Pandora&#39;s box in a fragile decentralised Spain where regions have differing levels of autonomy.

Still, after managing to emerge from a damaging economic crisis and put a stop to attacks by Basque separatist group ETA, Spain&#39;s image has taken a hit.

For weeks, the state, its judges and police forces have pulled out the stops to stop the Catalan vote.

Protests have broken out in Barcelona and other Catalan cities -- all peaceful except that several police vans were damaged.

Firefighters, dockers, farmers and school children have shown their determination with slogans like &quot;Votarem&quot; (Catalan for &quot;we will vote&quot;) or &quot;love democracy.&quot;

Madrid has however emphasised that even if Catalans manage to vote en masse&nbsp;on Sunday, it will not be a referendum with any semblance of legitimacy.

There is no electoral census, the board set up to oversee the vote has been dissolved, and parties against independence have called on their followers to boycott&nbsp;Sunday&#39;s&nbsp;vote.

The state is determined to block the vote, which it calls illegal

Spain is on tenterhooks as the crisis between Catalan separatist leaders and the central government reaches fever-pitch ahead of an independence referendum banned by Madrid on Sunday. The showdown is one of Spain's biggest political crisis since the end of the dictatorship of Francisco Franco four decades ago and it has Catalonia deeply divided. So how did the situation get so out of hand? Catalan separatists called the referendum on September 6 despite a ban by Spain's Constitutional Court and with little debate allowed in the regional parliament. Since then, web closures, detentions and the seizure of millions of ballots don't appear to have dampened the enthusiasm of the separatists in this wealthy northeastern region which is home to 16 percent of Spain's population. On the subject of independence, Catalonia is divided almost down the middle... even within families × When the organisers have been fined thousands of euros, activists have raised funds. Ballot papers seized? They have called on people to print more. And when internet sites promoting the referendum are blocked, others re-open. Determined to block the illegal vote, the state has deployed thousands of police to Catalonia, some of them housed in ferries in the ports of Barcelona and Tarragona. One of the boats is decorated with giant Looney Tunes cartoon characters, including Tweety. Cue the hashtag #FreeTweety, which has become a worldwide trending topic on Twitter, the little yellow bird becoming an emblem of Catalans who want to vote. Catexit But the potential independence of Catalonia, roughly the size of Belgium and contributing 19 percent of Spain's economy, is no laughing matter. The consequences are hard to predict, leading to comparisons with Britain's decision to quit the European Union, which was made at a referendum in June 2016. "It's like the Brexit, just as stupid," says Beatriz Migens, a 43-year-old from the southern city of Seville, on the high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona where she spends two days a week for work. In Madrid, Rodrigo Marrero, a lawyer from the Canary Islands who works in the Spanish capital, says: "If Catalonia left, it would be like losing a limb." "Everyone I know is dismayed, we talk of nothing else." For his part, Ferran Mascarell, who represents the Catalan executive in Madrid, says there has long been resentment among Catalans who feel that Madrid holds them in contempt. But the impact of Spain's economic crisis, followed by the Constitutional Court's partial cancellation in 2010 of a statute giving Catalonia greater autonomy, turned this into outright anger, he adds. "It's the result of a revolt of the middle-class against the state, which isn't doing its job right." But those who oppose independence, particularly the Ciudadanos party, believe it is about more than that They claim that some politicians have used the struggle for independence as a way to divert attention from corruption cases in Catalonia and mismanagement of the region. 'We will vote' Catalonia has its own language and culture but out of its 7.5 million inhabitants, more than half come from elsewhere, such as those whose parents or grandparents migrated from other parts of Spain. And on the subject of independence, Catalonia is divided almost down the middle... even within families. But more than 70 percent of Catalans want to settle the matter once and for all in a legal referendum, according to opinion polls. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, though, refuses. He has repeatedly said any such referendum would contravene the very Constitution that Catalans overwhelmingly ratified in 1978. He is also reluctant to open a Pandora's box in a fragile decentralised Spain where regions have differing levels of autonomy. Still, after managing to emerge from a damaging economic crisis and put a stop to attacks by Basque separatist group ETA, Spain's image has taken a hit. For weeks, the state, its judges and police forces have pulled out the stops to stop the Catalan vote. Protests have broken out in Barcelona and other Catalan cities -- all peaceful except that several police vans were damaged. Firefighters, dockers, farmers and school children have shown their determination with slogans like "Votarem" (Catalan for "we will vote") or "love democracy." Madrid has however emphasised that even if Catalans manage to vote en masse on Sunday, it will not be a referendum with any semblance of legitimacy. There is no electoral census, the board set up to oversee the vote has been dissolved, and parties against independence have called on their followers to boycott Sunday's vote.

Spain on tenterhooks ahead of Catalan independence referendum

Spanish police raided Catalan government offices and arrested officials on Wednesday to halt a banned referendum on independence, an action the regional president said meant Madrid had effectively taken over his administration.

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside the regional government offices in the centre of Barcelona&#39;s tourist district as well as in several Catalan cities, waving the red-and-yellow Catalan flag and chanting &quot;Occupying forces out&quot; and &quot;Where is Europe?&quot;.

&quot;The Spanish state has by all rights intervened in Catalonia&#39;s government and has established emergency rule,&quot; Catalan President Carles Puigdemont said in a televised address.

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<h5>The Spanish state has by all rights intervened in Catalonia&#39;s government and has established emergency rule,&#39; Catalan President Carles Puigdemont said in a televised address</h5>
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&quot;We condemn and reject the anti-democratic and totalitarian actions of the Spanish state,&quot; he said, adding Catalans should turn out in force to vote in the Oct. 1 referendum on a split from Spain that Madrid has declared illegal.

State police arrested Catalonia&#39;s junior economy minister Josep Maria Jove on Wednesday in their first raid of government offices in the region, Catalan government sources said. The raid targeted several regional government departments.

A dozen high-ranking local officials were arrested, La Vanguardia newspaper said. Police confirmed they were carrying out raids connected with the banned referendum, but did not give details. The Catalan government sources could not confirm the other arrests.

In several Barcelona districts, people banged on balconies railings and dumpsters while passing cars hooted noisily.

Among the protesters outside the government office in Barcelona, was Carlos, a 47-year-old taxi driver.

&quot;We&#39;re here so they know they can&#39;t do whatever they want,&quot; he said, as protesters bore banners reading &quot;Democracy&quot; and &quot;Vote to be free&quot;.

The FC Barcelona soccer club said in a statement: &quot;FC Barcelona, in remaining faithful to its historic commitment to the defence of the nation, to democracy, to freedom of speech, and to self-determination, condemns any act that may impede the free exercise of these rights.&quot;

Police efforts to stop the referendum have intensified in recent days as the wealthy northeastern region shows no signs of halting it.

Acting under court orders, police have raided printers, newspaper offices and private delivery companies in a search for campaign literature, instruction manuals for manning voting stations and ballot boxes.

The Civil Guard, a national police force, on Wednesday seized 10 million ballot papers, polling station displays as well as documents and forms to run the vote, including a list of voters under the headline &quot;2017 Catalonia self-determination referendum&quot;.

Stock market falls

It had on Tuesday seized more than 45,000 envelopes packed in cardboard boxes that the Catalan government was ready to send to notify people about the referendum, while the first of hundreds of Catalan mayors appeared before the state prosecutor after they said they would back the referendum.

Spain&#39;s finance ministry has taken over the region&#39;s finances to prevent the use of public money to organise the vote.

But the central government must tread a fine line in enforcing the law in the region without seeming heavy-handed. Polls show a minority of Catalans, albeit more than 40 percent, support independence although a majority want a referendum on the issue.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on Wednesday the operations in Catalonia were the result of legal rulings and were to ensure the rule of law.

He later called on Catalan leaders to cancel the vote.

&quot;Don&#39;t go ahead, you don&#39;t have any legitimacy to do it. Go back to the law and democracy (...) This referendum is a chimera,&quot; he said in a televised speech. Any action that broke the law would be met with a proportionate response, he added.

The Constitutional Court has suspended the vote after the central government challenged its legality. Spain&#39;s central government says the referendum goes against the 1978 constitution which states Spain is indivisible.

Under Article 155 of the constitution, Madrid has the power to suspend the regional government&#39;s authority to rule. It has yet to exercise this option as it seeks to block the vote through the courts.

Although markets have so far shrugged off the increasing tension, Spain&#39;s top stock index underperformed regional European stock peers on Wednesday.

The Catalan president said the action meant Madrid had effectively taken over his administration

Spanish police raided Catalan government offices and arrested officials on Wednesday to halt a banned referendum on independence, an action the regional president said meant Madrid had effectively taken over his administration. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside the regional government offices in the centre of Barcelona's tourist district as well as in several Catalan cities, waving the red-and-yellow Catalan flag and chanting "Occupying forces out" and "Where is Europe?". "The Spanish state has by all rights intervened in Catalonia's government and has established emergency rule," Catalan President Carles Puigdemont said in a televised address. The Spanish state has by all rights intervened in Catalonia's government and has established emergency rule,' Catalan President Carles Puigdemont said in a televised address × "We condemn and reject the anti-democratic and totalitarian actions of the Spanish state," he said, adding Catalans should turn out in force to vote in the Oct. 1 referendum on a split from Spain that Madrid has declared illegal. State police arrested Catalonia's junior economy minister Josep Maria Jove on Wednesday in their first raid of government offices in the region, Catalan government sources said. The raid targeted several regional government departments. A dozen high-ranking local officials were arrested, La Vanguardia newspaper said. Police confirmed they were carrying out raids connected with the banned referendum, but did not give details. The Catalan government sources could not confirm the other arrests. In several Barcelona districts, people banged on balconies railings and dumpsters while passing cars hooted noisily. Among the protesters outside the government office in Barcelona, was Carlos, a 47-year-old taxi driver. "We're here so they know they can't do whatever they want," he said, as protesters bore banners reading "Democracy" and "Vote to be free". The FC Barcelona soccer club said in a statement: "FC Barcelona, in remaining faithful to its historic commitment to the defence of the nation, to democracy, to freedom of speech, and to self-determination, condemns any act that may impede the free exercise of these rights." Police efforts to stop the referendum have intensified in recent days as the wealthy northeastern region shows no signs of halting it. Acting under court orders, police have raided printers, newspaper offices and private delivery companies in a search for campaign literature, instruction manuals for manning voting stations and ballot boxes. The Civil Guard, a national police force, on Wednesday seized 10 million ballot papers, polling station displays as well as documents and forms to run the vote, including a list of voters under the headline "2017 Catalonia self-determination referendum". Stock market falls It had on Tuesday seized more than 45,000 envelopes packed in cardboard boxes that the Catalan government was ready to send to notify people about the referendum, while the first of hundreds of Catalan mayors appeared before the state prosecutor after they said they would back the referendum. Spain's finance ministry has taken over the region's finances to prevent the use of public money to organise the vote. But the central government must tread a fine line in enforcing the law in the region without seeming heavy-handed. Polls show a minority of Catalans, albeit more than 40 percent, support independence although a majority want a referendum on the issue. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on Wednesday the operations in Catalonia were the result of legal rulings and were to ensure the rule of law. He later called on Catalan leaders to cancel the vote. "Don't go ahead, you don't have any legitimacy to do it. Go back to the law and democracy (...) This referendum is a chimera," he said in a televised speech. Any action that broke the law would be met with a proportionate response, he added. The Constitutional Court has suspended the vote after the central government challenged its legality. Spain's central government says the referendum goes against the 1978 constitution which states Spain is indivisible. Under Article 155 of the constitution, Madrid has the power to suspend the regional government's authority to rule. It has yet to exercise this option as it seeks to block the vote through the courts. Although markets have so far shrugged off the increasing tension, Spain's top stock index underperformed regional European stock peers on Wednesday.

Spanish police raid Catalan government to halt independence referendum

The potential move of Apple into streaming video could reshape an industry which is already feeling the impact from new players like Netflix.

While Apple has not revealed any plans publicly, a report that the iPhone maker could spend a billion dollars on its own shows suggested more disruption for a sector seeing rapid changes.

The move by deep-pocketed Apple would challenge entrenched services such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime, which have been increasingly challenging the established media-entertainment world of Hollywood.

Apple declined to comment on a Wall Street journal report on its billion-dollar budget for new content.

Analysts consider original, exclusive content imperative for fielding a viable video streaming service, something that Apple has yet to do despite being early to market with an Apple TV set-top box linked to the internet. 
&quot;If Apple wants to stay relevant they have to go into the subscription streaming space, and that means original content,&quot; said Jackdaw Research chief analyst Jan Dawson.

Analyst Paul Verna at eMarketer said video fits nicely into Apple&#39;s business strategy: &quot;Content is a vital missing link that could help Apple complete a powerful ecosystem of programming, devices and services,&quot; he said.

Global streaming television king Netflix is expected to spend about $7 billion this year on content, with slightly less than half of that money going to making its shows it can distribute how and where it wishes.

&nbsp;&#39;Kick-Ass&#39;&nbsp;

Netflix recently ordered a new animated adult comedy from &quot;The Simpsons&quot; mastermind Matt Groening.

The Silicon Valley-based company is also buying comic book publisher Millarworld, creator of popular series including &quot;Kick-Ass&quot; and &quot;Kingsman.&quot;

Netflix said in a statement the deal was part of the company&#39;s effort &quot;to work directly with prolific and skilled creators and to acquire intellectual property and ownership of stories featuring compelling characters and timeless, interwoven fictional worlds.&quot;

Netflix describes itself as the world&#39;s leading internet television network, with 104 million members in more than 190 countries.

During a recent quarterly earnings call, Amazon executives once again vowed to ramp spending on original shows this year as the internet giant chases after Netflix with is Prime service.

While Amazon doesn&#39;t reveal exact figures, its budget for shows is said to be in the billions of dollars.

Google continues to make a priority of content for YouTube, which features a subscription service along with free shared video posts.

Facebook too is rolling out a new video service offering professionally produced shows in a challenge to rivals such as YouTube, and potentially to streaming providers like Netflix.

The Facebook service called Watch will include a range of shows, from reality to comedy to live sports. Facebook has funded some of the creators to get the service going.

&nbsp;Money to burn&nbsp;

These moves comes as viewers in the US and other markets increasingly turn to on-demand internet platforms instead of &quot;linear&quot; television.

Hollywood powerhouse Walt Disney&nbsp;this month announced plans to launch a &quot;multi-sport&quot; streaming service under its ESPN brand in early 2018 and a Disney branded direct-to-consumer service in 2019. 
HBO and CBS also have standalone streaming options.

Entering a market late and succeeding would be nothing new for Apple, Dawson said while discussing unconfirmed talk of the company investing in original shows.

An Apple Music service launched in a streaming radio market with dominant players, but is now second only to Spotify, the analyst noted.

Apple could get the same kind of results in streaming video, not overtaking Netflix over the short term but quickly becoming a force to be reconned with in the market, Dawson said.

While Apple has about a quarter of a trillion dollars in cash stockpiled, providing ample cash to spend on original content, such a move could distract it from the devices on which the company&#39;s fortune rests, according to analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group 
Entertainment is also a very different industry than making iPhones, and comes with film talent to manage and other challenges likely new to Apple, Enderle said.

&quot;Entertainment is no cheap date; it is a very hands-on business,&quot; Enderle said.

&quot;I think that because Apple is having so much difficulty coming up with innovation in their core area, they are starting to panic and come up with &#39;Hail Mary&#39; passes in other areas.&quot;

Police vans entered the National Court, which deals with terrorism cases, where a judge will question them and decide what, if any, charges to press against them over the vehicle attacks that left 15 dead and 120 injured

The potential move of Apple into streaming video could reshape an industry which is already feeling the impact from new players like Netflix. While Apple has not revealed any plans publicly, a report that the iPhone maker could spend a billion dollars on its own shows suggested more disruption for a sector seeing rapid changes. The move by deep-pocketed Apple would challenge entrenched services such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime, which have been increasingly challenging the established media-entertainment world of Hollywood. Apple declined to comment on a Wall Street journal report on its billion-dollar budget for new content. Analysts consider original, exclusive content imperative for fielding a viable video streaming service, something that Apple has yet to do despite being early to market with an Apple TV set-top box linked to the internet. "If Apple wants to stay relevant they have to go into the subscription streaming space, and that means original content," said Jackdaw Research chief analyst Jan Dawson. Analyst Paul Verna at eMarketer said video fits nicely into Apple's business strategy: "Content is a vital missing link that could help Apple complete a powerful ecosystem of programming, devices and services," he said. Global streaming television king Netflix is expected to spend about $7 billion this year on content, with slightly less than half of that money going to making its shows it can distribute how and where it wishes. 'Kick-Ass' Netflix recently ordered a new animated adult comedy from "The Simpsons" mastermind Matt Groening. The Silicon Valley-based company is also buying comic book publisher Millarworld, creator of popular series including "Kick-Ass" and "Kingsman." Netflix said in a statement the deal was part of the company's effort "to work directly with prolific and skilled creators and to acquire intellectual property and ownership of stories featuring compelling characters and timeless, interwoven fictional worlds." Netflix describes itself as the world's leading internet television network, with 104 million members in more than 190 countries. During a recent quarterly earnings call, Amazon executives once again vowed to ramp spending on original shows this year as the internet giant chases after Netflix with is Prime service. While Amazon doesn't reveal exact figures, its budget for shows is said to be in the billions of dollars. Google continues to make a priority of content for YouTube, which features a subscription service along with free shared video posts. Facebook too is rolling out a new video service offering professionally produced shows in a challenge to rivals such as YouTube, and potentially to streaming providers like Netflix. The Facebook service called Watch will include a range of shows, from reality to comedy to live sports. Facebook has funded some of the creators to get the service going. Money to burn These moves comes as viewers in the US and other markets increasingly turn to on-demand internet platforms instead of "linear" television. Hollywood powerhouse Walt Disney this month announced plans to launch a "multi-sport" streaming service under its ESPN brand in early 2018 and a Disney branded direct-to-consumer service in 2019. HBO and CBS also have standalone streaming options. Entering a market late and succeeding would be nothing new for Apple, Dawson said while discussing unconfirmed talk of the company investing in original shows. An Apple Music service launched in a streaming radio market with dominant players, but is now second only to Spotify, the analyst noted. Apple could get the same kind of results in streaming video, not overtaking Netflix over the short term but quickly becoming a force to be reconned with in the market, Dawson said. While Apple has about a quarter of a trillion dollars in cash stockpiled, providing ample cash to spend on original content, such a move could distract it from the devices on which the company's fortune rests, according to analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group Entertainment is also a very different industry than making iPhones, and comes with film talent to manage and other challenges likely new to Apple, Enderle said. "Entertainment is no cheap date; it is a very hands-on business," Enderle said. "I think that because Apple is having so much difficulty coming up with innovation in their core area, they are starting to panic and come up with 'Hail Mary' passes in other areas."

Spain terror suspects arrive in Madrid court: Report

Four men accused of killing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-who-rammed-car-into-crowd-in-barcelona-killed-another-before-fleeing-in-his-car-police-19273">13 people in Barcelona last week appeared </a>in court on Tuesday, a day after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barcelona-van-driver-killed-in-police-encounter-report-19279">alleged driver was shot dead by police</a>.

The four, the only ones still alive among the 12 men thought to constitute the group, were brought from Barcelona to Madrid and arrived at the High Court, which deals with terrorism cases, in a convoy of police vehicles with sirens wailing.

Police on Monday shot dead 22-year-old Younes Abouyaaqoub, who they had identified as the driver of the van that careered along the packed Las Ramblas boulevard in Barcelona on Thursday, leaving a trail of 13 dead and 120 injured from 34 countries.

After the attack, Abouyaaqoub escaped on foot, stabbing to death a man who was parking his car and fleeing in the vehicle.

Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia said on Tuesday he walked some 40 km (25 miles) from Sant Just Desvern, a town on the outskirts of Barcelona where he ditched the hijacked car, to Subirats, where he was shot dead.

Abouyaaqoub, who had changed clothes, walked by night and hid during the day, the paper said citing sources involved in the investigation.

Carlos Mundo, the top justice official in the Catalan government, said police were investigating whether Abouyaaqoub had any support while on the run.

&quot;It is clear that he must have had some form of logistics,&quot; he told Catalonia Radio.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the van attack and a separate deadly assault, hours later, in the coastal resort of Cambrils, south of Barcelona.

In Cambrils, a car rammed into passers-by and its occupants got out and tried to stab people. The five assailants, who were wearing what turned out to be fake explosive belts, were shot dead by police, while a Spanish woman died in the attack.

In little more than a year, Islamist militants have used vehicles as weapons to kill nearly 130 people in France, Germany, Britain, Sweden and Spain.

Most of the 12 suspects lived in the town of Ripoll, set in forested hills beneath the Pyrenees north of Barcelona near the French border, and most were young men of Moroccan descent.

One of those who appeared before investigating magistrate Fernando Andreu was Driss Oukabir, whose passport was found in the abandoned van after the Barcelona attack.

He turned himself in to police, protesting his innocence and saying his younger brother Moussa Oukabir, 17, who was killed in Cambrils, had stolen his documents.

Also in court was Mohammed Aalla, owner of the Audi car used in the Cambrils attack. One of his brothers, Said, was killed in Cambrils and a second, Youssef, is believed by police to have died in an explosion at a house used by the plotters at Alcanar, southwest of Barcelona, the day before the Barcelona attack.

Mohamed Houli Chemlal, arrested after being hurt in the blast at Alcanar, also appeared in court as did Salah el Karib, who ran an internet cafe in Ripoll that, according to La Vanguardia newspaper, was used to send money to Morocco.

At Tuesday&#39;s closed-door hearing, Andreu planned to read out charges against the men expected to include counts of terrorism, murder and weapons possession. Andreu was then to ask the accused if they wish to testify, in which case he would question them.

The hearing was likely to end in the suspects being remanded in custody while the judge conducts an investigation that could take months or even years before a trial is organised.

A Ripoll imam who police suspect may have radicalised the young men, Abdelbaki Es Satty, is believed to have died in the explosion in Alcanar. Police believe the blast foiled the group&#39;s plans for a much bigger attack using explosives.

Catalan police said on Monday that, while all 12 of the suspects they were looking for were accounted for, an investigation into whether the cell had international links would go on.

French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb on Tuesday confirmed press reports that the Audi used in the Cambrils attack had been caught on camera speeding in the Paris area about a week earlier. Authorities did not know why it was there, he said.

French authorities were unaware of the existence of the Catalan cell, Collomb told BFM TV, saying they were &quot;exclusively Spanish&quot;.

Spanish police have sought information from Belgian authorities on a visit the imam, Es Satty, made there last year.

The four, the only ones still alive among the 12 men thought to constitute the group, were brought from Barcelona to Madrid and arrived at the High Court, which deals with terrorism cases, in a convoy of police vehicles with sirens wailing

Four men accused of killing 13 people in Barcelona last week appeared in court on Tuesday, a day after the alleged driver was shot dead by police. The four, the only ones still alive among the 12 men thought to constitute the group, were brought from Barcelona to Madrid and arrived at the High Court, which deals with terrorism cases, in a convoy of police vehicles with sirens wailing. Police on Monday shot dead 22-year-old Younes Abouyaaqoub, who they had identified as the driver of the van that careered along the packed Las Ramblas boulevard in Barcelona on Thursday, leaving a trail of 13 dead and 120 injured from 34 countries. After the attack, Abouyaaqoub escaped on foot, stabbing to death a man who was parking his car and fleeing in the vehicle. Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia said on Tuesday he walked some 40 km (25 miles) from Sant Just Desvern, a town on the outskirts of Barcelona where he ditched the hijacked car, to Subirats, where he was shot dead. Abouyaaqoub, who had changed clothes, walked by night and hid during the day, the paper said citing sources involved in the investigation. Carlos Mundo, the top justice official in the Catalan government, said police were investigating whether Abouyaaqoub had any support while on the run. "It is clear that he must have had some form of logistics," he told Catalonia Radio. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the van attack and a separate deadly assault, hours later, in the coastal resort of Cambrils, south of Barcelona. In Cambrils, a car rammed into passers-by and its occupants got out and tried to stab people. The five assailants, who were wearing what turned out to be fake explosive belts, were shot dead by police, while a Spanish woman died in the attack. In little more than a year, Islamist militants have used vehicles as weapons to kill nearly 130 people in France, Germany, Britain, Sweden and Spain. Most of the 12 suspects lived in the town of Ripoll, set in forested hills beneath the Pyrenees north of Barcelona near the French border, and most were young men of Moroccan descent. One of those who appeared before investigating magistrate Fernando Andreu was Driss Oukabir, whose passport was found in the abandoned van after the Barcelona attack. He turned himself in to police, protesting his innocence and saying his younger brother Moussa Oukabir, 17, who was killed in Cambrils, had stolen his documents. Also in court was Mohammed Aalla, owner of the Audi car used in the Cambrils attack. One of his brothers, Said, was killed in Cambrils and a second, Youssef, is believed by police to have died in an explosion at a house used by the plotters at Alcanar, southwest of Barcelona, the day before the Barcelona attack. Mohamed Houli Chemlal, arrested after being hurt in the blast at Alcanar, also appeared in court as did Salah el Karib, who ran an internet cafe in Ripoll that, according to La Vanguardia newspaper, was used to send money to Morocco. At Tuesday's closed-door hearing, Andreu planned to read out charges against the men expected to include counts of terrorism, murder and weapons possession. Andreu was then to ask the accused if they wish to testify, in which case he would question them. The hearing was likely to end in the suspects being remanded in custody while the judge conducts an investigation that could take months or even years before a trial is organised. A Ripoll imam who police suspect may have radicalised the young men, Abdelbaki Es Satty, is believed to have died in the explosion in Alcanar. Police believe the blast foiled the group's plans for a much bigger attack using explosives. Catalan police said on Monday that, while all 12 of the suspects they were looking for were accounted for, an investigation into whether the cell had international links would go on. French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb on Tuesday confirmed press reports that the Audi used in the Cambrils attack had been caught on camera speeding in the Paris area about a week earlier. Authorities did not know why it was there, he said. French authorities were unaware of the existence of the Catalan cell, Collomb told BFM TV, saying they were "exclusively Spanish". Spanish police have sought information from Belgian authorities on a visit the imam, Es Satty, made there last year.

Four suspected Barcelona attack plotters appear in court

Real Madrid were labelled &quot;insatiable&quot; and &quot;masters of the universe&quot; by an adoring Spanish press on Sunday after writing more Champions League history by thrashing Juventus 4-1 to win the trophy for the 12th time.

Led by two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Madrid became the first side in the Champions League era to retain the trophy and claimed a third Champions League in just four years.

&quot;The twelfth for the insatiable,&quot; ran the front cover of Madrid sports daily AS.

Ronaldo&#39;s double saw him become the first man to score in three Champions League finals. He finishes the season for the fifth straight year as the competition&#39;s top scorer with 12 goals and the Portuguese moves closer to matching Lionel Messi&#39;s record of winning the Ballon d&#39;Or five times.

&quot;Cristiano MVP of the final and a step away from his fifth Ballon d&#39;Or,&quot; added AS.

Madrid&#39;s other sports daily Marca declared Real &quot;masters of the universe.&quot;

&quot;A thrashing by Real Madrid of Juve to win the twelfth,&quot; continued it&#39;s front page.

Pictures of captain Sergio Ramos lifting the famous big-eared trophy and a smiling Ronaldo dominated across the front pages and online editions.

&quot;Real Madrid without limits,&quot; declared Spain&#39;s oldest newspaper ABC, whilst La Razon described Zinedine Zidane&#39;s men as &quot;12 times kings.&quot;

&quot;The 12th of a Madrid for the ages,&quot; said El Mundo to hail Madrid&#39;s dominance of Europe&#39;s premier club competition in recent seasons.

Real extend their lead as the most successful side in the history of the competition with AC Milan&#39;s seven titles a long way back as second best.

A huge part of that success is due to winning the first five editions of the competition between 1955 and 1960 and El Pais invoked memories of that side as they led with &quot;Real Madrid enter into a new golden age.&quot;

Madrid&#39;s victory at Cardiff&#39;s Principality Stadium was so resounding that is was even applauded over in Catalonia -- home of Real&#39;s bitter rivals Barcelona.

Barcelona-based newspapers Sport and Mundo Deportivo had published front pages on Saturday morning openly supporting Juventus.

Meanwhile, public Catalan TV station TV3 broadcast an advert backing the Italian champions -- who beat Barca 3-0 in the quarter-finals -- before the game as the &quot;only 11 men capable of avoiding the unavoidable.&quot;

&quot;Real Madrid, deserving champions,&quot; said Sport on its front cover, although the main splash was left for Barca&#39;s latest moves in the transfer market.

Mundo Deportivo was more generous as it lauded the work done by Real&#39;s coach Zidane to win a second Champions League after just 18 months in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu.

&quot;Historic Zidane&quot;, said their front cover.

&quot;The whites wiped the floor with Juventus after half-time and Ronaldo wins the top-scorer award with his double.&quot;

(AFP)

Real Madrid became the first team to retain the Champions League title after they beat Juventus 4-1 on Saturday

Real Madrid were labelled "insatiable" and "masters of the universe" by an adoring Spanish press on Sunday after writing more Champions League history by thrashing Juventus 4-1 to win the trophy for the 12th time. Led by two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Madrid became the first side in the Champions League era to retain the trophy and claimed a third Champions League in just four years. "The twelfth for the insatiable," ran the front cover of Madrid sports daily AS. Ronaldo's double saw him become the first man to score in three Champions League finals. He finishes the season for the fifth straight year as the competition's top scorer with 12 goals and the Portuguese moves closer to matching Lionel Messi's record of winning the Ballon d'Or five times. "Cristiano MVP of the final and a step away from his fifth Ballon d'Or," added AS. Madrid's other sports daily Marca declared Real "masters of the universe." "A thrashing by Real Madrid of Juve to win the twelfth," continued it's front page. Pictures of captain Sergio Ramos lifting the famous big-eared trophy and a smiling Ronaldo dominated across the front pages and online editions. "Real Madrid without limits," declared Spain's oldest newspaper ABC, whilst La Razon described Zinedine Zidane's men as "12 times kings." "The 12th of a Madrid for the ages," said El Mundo to hail Madrid's dominance of Europe's premier club competition in recent seasons. Real extend their lead as the most successful side in the history of the competition with AC Milan's seven titles a long way back as second best. A huge part of that success is due to winning the first five editions of the competition between 1955 and 1960 and El Pais invoked memories of that side as they led with "Real Madrid enter into a new golden age." Madrid's victory at Cardiff's Principality Stadium was so resounding that is was even applauded over in Catalonia -- home of Real's bitter rivals Barcelona. Barcelona-based newspapers Sport and Mundo Deportivo had published front pages on Saturday morning openly supporting Juventus. Meanwhile, public Catalan TV station TV3 broadcast an advert backing the Italian champions -- who beat Barca 3-0 in the quarter-finals -- before the game as the "only 11 men capable of avoiding the unavoidable." "Real Madrid, deserving champions," said Sport on its front cover, although the main splash was left for Barca's latest moves in the transfer market. Mundo Deportivo was more generous as it lauded the work done by Real's coach Zidane to win a second Champions League after just 18 months in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu. "Historic Zidane", said their front cover. "The whites wiped the floor with Juventus after half-time and Ronaldo wins the top-scorer award with his double." (AFP)

Spanish press hails Zidan's Real Madrid as 'masters of the universe'

Real Madrid moved five points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga despite a lacklustre performance as goals from Karim Benzema, Isco and Nacho secured a 3-0 win over Alaves on Sunday.

Benzema volleyed home Dani Carvajal&#39;s cutback for the opening goal just after the half hour mark.

However, the European champions were grateful to Alaves&#39; wastefulness in front of goal after the break as Deyverson and Edgar Mendez passed up huge chances to equalise.

Isco eventually made the game safe five minutes from time before Nacho rounded off the scoring moments later.

Barcelona can close back to within two points with victory at Granada later on Sunday.

&quot;Playing every three days you can&#39;t always play perfectly for 90 minutes,&quot; said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.

&quot;We were having problems, we weren&#39;t playing well and then all of a sudden Cristiano (Ronaldo) gets the ball, passes it to Isco and he controls and scores.

&quot;That is what this team has. We know that at any moment we can hurt the opponent.&quot;

Zidane had handed a rest from the start to a host of his stars involved in international duty over the past week as captain Sergio Ramos, Marcelo and James Rodriguez were left out.

Yet, Zidane&#39;s plans were undone inside 10 minutes when Raphael Varane suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Carvajal.

&quot;Rafa has damaged the same area as before, it isn&#39;t as bad as three weeks ago and we hope it is nothing major.&quot;

Zidane did name his first-choice front three as Ronaldo and Gareth Bale flanked Benzema.

All three fired off target from the edge of the box as Madrid started brightly, but they had to wait 31 minutes for the opener.

Carvajal&#39;s burst of pace took him to the by-line and he picked out the unmarked Benzema to smash into the far corner.

Madrid&#39;s rhythm was disrupted by the half-time whistle, though, as Alaves were the better side for large spells of the second-half.

Deyverson headed over from point-blank range from Theo Hernandez&#39;s cross before Mendez passed up the visitors&#39; best chance when he slotted wide when unmarked at the back post.

Manu Garcia&#39;s flicked header also then dipped just beyond Kiko Casilla&#39;s far post as the Santiago Bernabeu crowd became restless.

However, Isco settled their nerves when he rocketed Ronaldo&#39;s through ball into the roof of the net from a narrow angle.

And Nacho gave the scoreline an unjustified gloss when he tapped into an empty net after Fernando Pacheco made a brilliant save to tip Bale&#39;s free-kick onto the bar.

Earlier, an unsettling week for Sevilla ended with another disappointing result as they were held 0-0 at home by Sporting Gijon, leaving them fourth in La Liga on Sunday.

In the wake of Sporting director Monchi&#39;s decision to leave the club after 17 years, Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli cast doubt on his future before kick-off with Argentina reportedly interested in hiring him to salvage their floundering World Cup qualifying campaign.

However, Sampaoli&#39;s stock has fallen in recent weeks as Sevilla&#39;s winless run stretched to five games in all competitions despite dominating for 95 minutes at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

A draw is far more valuable for Sporting at the other end of the table as they move to within five points of safety in 18th.

(AFP)

Karim Benzema, Isco and Nacho netted for Los Blancos

Real Madrid moved five points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga despite a lacklustre performance as goals from Karim Benzema, Isco and Nacho secured a 3-0 win over Alaves on Sunday. Benzema volleyed home Dani Carvajal's cutback for the opening goal just after the half hour mark. However, the European champions were grateful to Alaves' wastefulness in front of goal after the break as Deyverson and Edgar Mendez passed up huge chances to equalise. Isco eventually made the game safe five minutes from time before Nacho rounded off the scoring moments later. Barcelona can close back to within two points with victory at Granada later on Sunday. "Playing every three days you can't always play perfectly for 90 minutes," said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. "We were having problems, we weren't playing well and then all of a sudden Cristiano (Ronaldo) gets the ball, passes it to Isco and he controls and scores. "That is what this team has. We know that at any moment we can hurt the opponent." Zidane had handed a rest from the start to a host of his stars involved in international duty over the past week as captain Sergio Ramos, Marcelo and James Rodriguez were left out. Yet, Zidane's plans were undone inside 10 minutes when Raphael Varane suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Carvajal. "Rafa has damaged the same area as before, it isn't as bad as three weeks ago and we hope it is nothing major." Zidane did name his first-choice front three as Ronaldo and Gareth Bale flanked Benzema. All three fired off target from the edge of the box as Madrid started brightly, but they had to wait 31 minutes for the opener. Carvajal's burst of pace took him to the by-line and he picked out the unmarked Benzema to smash into the far corner. Madrid's rhythm was disrupted by the half-time whistle, though, as Alaves were the better side for large spells of the second-half. Deyverson headed over from point-blank range from Theo Hernandez's cross before Mendez passed up the visitors' best chance when he slotted wide when unmarked at the back post. Manu Garcia's flicked header also then dipped just beyond Kiko Casilla's far post as the Santiago Bernabeu crowd became restless. However, Isco settled their nerves when he rocketed Ronaldo's through ball into the roof of the net from a narrow angle. And Nacho gave the scoreline an unjustified gloss when he tapped into an empty net after Fernando Pacheco made a brilliant save to tip Bale's free-kick onto the bar. Earlier, an unsettling week for Sevilla ended with another disappointing result as they were held 0-0 at home by Sporting Gijon, leaving them fourth in La Liga on Sunday. In the wake of Sporting director Monchi's decision to leave the club after 17 years, Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli cast doubt on his future before kick-off with Argentina reportedly interested in hiring him to salvage their floundering World Cup qualifying campaign. However, Sampaoli's stock has fallen in recent weeks as Sevilla's winless run stretched to five games in all competitions despite dominating for 95 minutes at the Sanchez Pizjuan. A draw is far more valuable for Sporting at the other end of the table as they move to within five points of safety in 18th. (AFP)

Real Madrid win against Alaves to stretch La Liga lead

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos struck another late winner as the European champions usurped Barcelona at the top of La Liga with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Real Betis on Sunday.

Earlier, Barca boss Luis Enrique accepted his side had struggled to shrug off the euphoria of a remarkable Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain as the Spanish champions slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat at Deportivo la Coruna.

Victory for Madrid moves Real two points clear of Barcelona and with a game in hand still to come.

&quot;I would be happier if we scored two or three goals at the start,&quot; said Real coach Zinedine Zidane.

&quot;But we remain calm because we know we can score at any moment.&quot;

However, Madrid&#39;s win was mired in controversy as goalkeeper Keylor Navas was extremely lucky to avoid an early red card before making a brilliant stoppage time save to deny Antonio Sanabria.

Navas clearly cleaned out Darko Brasanac on the edge of the Madrid area as he raced from his goal after just 20 minutes, but referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz inexplicably waived play on.

The hosts didn&#39;t benefit from Navas&#39;s presence just four minutes later, though, as he bundled Sarabia&#39;s shot into his own goal having appeared to have the effort under control.

&quot;The most important thing for me is the support Keylor received from his teammates,&quot; added Zidane.

&quot;They know how important he is and in the end he made a great save to get us the three points.&quot;

Cristiano Ronaldo ensured Madrid went in level at the break as he rose unmarked to power home Marcelo&#39;s cross from close range for his 26th goal of the season.

The visitors&#39; chances of escaping with a point were dealt a huge blow when Cristiano Piccini saw a second yellow card 12 minutes from time.

And just three minutes later, fresh from scoring two vital away goals at Napoli to ease Madrid into the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday, Ramos powered home another Toni Kroos header for the winner.

Betis could still have salvaged a point, but Navas made amends for his early mistakes with a brilliant stop from Sanabria&#39;s powerful header.

Much-changed Barca flop 
 
At Riazor, a much-changed Barcelona side from the one that hammered PSG 6-1 suffered a body blow to their hopes of a third successful title with a first league defeat since October.

Joselu had fired Deportivo into a first-half lead before Luis Suarez levelled in the first minute of the second period.

However, Alex Bergantinos rose highest from a corner to seal Deportivo&#39;s first victory over Barcelona since 2008.

&quot;Obviously it was difficult. Only those that have experienced what we have this week knows what it means, but as professionals we know nothing is gifted to you,&quot; said Enrique.

Two-goal hero in midweek Neymar was one of five changes to the Barca side due to an abductor injury.

It took Deportivo 40 minutes to force Marc-Andre ter Stegen into a serious save as the German leapt to his left to brilliantly turn Joselu&#39;s volley behind.

However, from the resulting corner Ter Stegen was found wanting as he spilled Javier Mascherano&#39;s miscued clearance and Joselu was on hand to smash into an unguarded net.

Barca got off to a flyer in the second-half as Suarez lashed home a loose ball inside the area to equalise just a minute after the restart.

Enrique turned to Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic for a winner in the final half hour as Arda Turan and Andre Gomes were sacrificed.

But Barca found it difficult to create clear-cut chances against the mass ranks of Deportivo defence, whilst the hosts were always a threat on the break.

Alejandro Arribas saw his header come back off the post, but once again having survived the initial threat, Barcelona conceded from the resulting corner.

This time Bergantinos got above Jordi Alba to head into the bottom corner at the far post.

Lux made a great save to deny Suarez a second equaliser, but Deportivo held out to give their hopes of survival a huge boost as they move eight points clear of the bottom three and up to 15th.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Victory for Madrid moves Real two points clear of Barcelona and with a game in hand still to come

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos struck another late winner as the European champions usurped Barcelona at the top of La Liga with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Real Betis on Sunday. Earlier, Barca boss Luis Enrique accepted his side had struggled to shrug off the euphoria of a remarkable Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain as the Spanish champions slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat at Deportivo la Coruna. Victory for Madrid moves Real two points clear of Barcelona and with a game in hand still to come. "I would be happier if we scored two or three goals at the start," said Real coach Zinedine Zidane. "But we remain calm because we know we can score at any moment." However, Madrid's win was mired in controversy as goalkeeper Keylor Navas was extremely lucky to avoid an early red card before making a brilliant stoppage time save to deny Antonio Sanabria. Navas clearly cleaned out Darko Brasanac on the edge of the Madrid area as he raced from his goal after just 20 minutes, but referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz inexplicably waived play on. The hosts didn't benefit from Navas's presence just four minutes later, though, as he bundled Sarabia's shot into his own goal having appeared to have the effort under control. "The most important thing for me is the support Keylor received from his teammates," added Zidane. "They know how important he is and in the end he made a great save to get us the three points." Cristiano Ronaldo ensured Madrid went in level at the break as he rose unmarked to power home Marcelo's cross from close range for his 26th goal of the season. The visitors' chances of escaping with a point were dealt a huge blow when Cristiano Piccini saw a second yellow card 12 minutes from time. And just three minutes later, fresh from scoring two vital away goals at Napoli to ease Madrid into the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday, Ramos powered home another Toni Kroos header for the winner. Betis could still have salvaged a point, but Navas made amends for his early mistakes with a brilliant stop from Sanabria's powerful header. Much-changed Barca flop At Riazor, a much-changed Barcelona side from the one that hammered PSG 6-1 suffered a body blow to their hopes of a third successful title with a first league defeat since October. Joselu had fired Deportivo into a first-half lead before Luis Suarez levelled in the first minute of the second period. However, Alex Bergantinos rose highest from a corner to seal Deportivo's first victory over Barcelona since 2008. "Obviously it was difficult. Only those that have experienced what we have this week knows what it means, but as professionals we know nothing is gifted to you," said Enrique. Two-goal hero in midweek Neymar was one of five changes to the Barca side due to an abductor injury. It took Deportivo 40 minutes to force Marc-Andre ter Stegen into a serious save as the German leapt to his left to brilliantly turn Joselu's volley behind. However, from the resulting corner Ter Stegen was found wanting as he spilled Javier Mascherano's miscued clearance and Joselu was on hand to smash into an unguarded net. Barca got off to a flyer in the second-half as Suarez lashed home a loose ball inside the area to equalise just a minute after the restart. Enrique turned to Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic for a winner in the final half hour as Arda Turan and Andre Gomes were sacrificed. But Barca found it difficult to create clear-cut chances against the mass ranks of Deportivo defence, whilst the hosts were always a threat on the break. Alejandro Arribas saw his header come back off the post, but once again having survived the initial threat, Barcelona conceded from the resulting corner. This time Bergantinos got above Jordi Alba to head into the bottom corner at the far post. Lux made a great save to deny Suarez a second equaliser, but Deportivo held out to give their hopes of survival a huge boost as they move eight points clear of the bottom three and up to 15th. (AFP)

La Liga: Ramos strikes again as Real Madrid prosper from Barca hangover

The Supreme Court will today hear a petition filed by advocate Harvinder Choudhry seeking a ban on jokes against the Sikh community.

Choudhary had earlier contended that such jokes portray the Sikh community in a&nbsp;negative light and wants such websites, which disseminate such `insensitive` jokes, to be prosecuted under laws that carry a prison term of six months to five years.

The petitioner argued that such jokes on many social network websites portray Sikhs as &#39;unintelligent&#39;, &#39;foolish&#39; and &#39;na&iuml;ve&#39;, making them an easy target of ridicule and racial abuse.

Choudhary, herself belonging to a Sikh family, said that she too had been a target of ridicule and abuse because of such jokes.

The apex court has asked an expert panel headed by former apex court judge HS Bedi to submit draft guidelines so that appropriate orders can be passed to prevent circulation of Sardar jokes on websites.

In July, a bench of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud gave six weeks time for the panel to hold discussions and submit the guidelines.

The bench passed the order after hearing the counsel for various parties including the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) which said that the community is being bullied by such jokes.

(ANI)&nbsp;

Three people were arrested in Spain and two in Hungary, with suspected links to Islamic State terrorists

The Supreme Court will today hear a petition filed by advocate Harvinder Choudhry seeking a ban on jokes against the Sikh community. Choudhary had earlier contended that such jokes portray the Sikh community in a negative light and wants such websites, which disseminate such `insensitive` jokes, to be prosecuted under laws that carry a prison term of six months to five years. The petitioner argued that such jokes on many social network websites portray Sikhs as 'unintelligent', 'foolish' and 'naïve', making them an easy target of ridicule and racial abuse. Choudhary, herself belonging to a Sikh family, said that she too had been a target of ridicule and abuse because of such jokes. The apex court has asked an expert panel headed by former apex court judge HS Bedi to submit draft guidelines so that appropriate orders can be passed to prevent circulation of Sardar jokes on websites. In July, a bench of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud gave six weeks time for the panel to hold discussions and submit the guidelines. The bench passed the order after hearing the counsel for various parties including the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) which said that the community is being bullied by such jokes. (ANI)

Spain, Hungary arrest suspected Islamic State terrorists

Thousands of people marched on the streets of Madrid on Saturday calling for an end to bullfighting. 
 
Bullfighting, banned in many countries, is famous in Spain where festivals are celebrated with the chasing, running with, or the killing of animals. 
 
The protest came after the anti-bullying lobby managed to obtain a ban on the sport. 
 
The governement of Castilla y Leon banned the killing of bulls at festivals, a move targeting the Toro de la Vega festival, where horsemen chase a bull and spear it in front of onlookers. 
 
&quot;Bullfighting, the school of cruelty&quot;, &quot;Bullfighting, a national shame&quot; were written on some of the banners, which protestors held. 
 
Party Against the Ill-Treatment of Animals (PACMA) said it was &quot;time to end bullfighting and all other bloody spectacles&quot;, at the rally. 
 
A poll conducted in January on behalf of animal welfare organisation World Animal Protection, found that only 19 per cent of adults in Spain supported bullfighting, while 58 per cent opposed it, according to Reuters.&nbsp; 
 
Reuters quoted Chelo Martin Pozo, from seville who attended the rally saying, &quot;Bullfights are a national shame and if they represent me, then I am not Spanish.&quot; 
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<h5>A poll conducted in January on behalf of animal welfare organisation World Animal Protection, found that only 19 per cent of adults in Spain supported bullfighting, while 58 per cent opposed it.&nbsp;</h5>
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Meanwhile, bullfighting aficionados are not giving up without a struggle. For them it is a part of Spain&#39;s colourful culture. 
 
Last year, the Bull Foundation was set up, Spain&#39;s first pro-bullfighting lobby comprising of breeders and matadors, Press Trust of India reported. 
 
In March this year, in the eastern city of Valencia, a rally made of pro-bullfighting marched promoting the traditional sport. A numbe of pro-bullfighting rlalies have taken place. 
 
However, Spain&#39;s Parliament,under center-right government moved to protect the sport in 2013, declaring it a cultural asset. 
But Madrid&#39;s leftist mayor withdrew subsidies for bullfighting schools. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
 
 
&nbsp;

The protest came after the anti-bullying lobby managed to obtain a ban on the sport

Thousands of people marched on the streets of Madrid on Saturday calling for an end to bullfighting. Bullfighting, banned in many countries, is famous in Spain where festivals are celebrated with the chasing, running with, or the killing of animals. The protest came after the anti-bullying lobby managed to obtain a ban on the sport. The governement of Castilla y Leon banned the killing of bulls at festivals, a move targeting the Toro de la Vega festival, where horsemen chase a bull and spear it in front of onlookers. "Bullfighting, the school of cruelty", "Bullfighting, a national shame" were written on some of the banners, which protestors held. Party Against the Ill-Treatment of Animals (PACMA) said it was "time to end bullfighting and all other bloody spectacles", at the rally. A poll conducted in January on behalf of animal welfare organisation World Animal Protection, found that only 19 per cent of adults in Spain supported bullfighting, while 58 per cent opposed it, according to Reuters. Reuters quoted Chelo Martin Pozo, from seville who attended the rally saying, "Bullfights are a national shame and if they represent me, then I am not Spanish." A poll conducted in January on behalf of animal welfare organisation World Animal Protection, found that only 19 per cent of adults in Spain supported bullfighting, while 58 per cent opposed it. Meanwhile, bullfighting aficionados are not giving up without a struggle. For them it is a part of Spain's colourful culture. Last year, the Bull Foundation was set up, Spain's first pro-bullfighting lobby comprising of breeders and matadors, Press Trust of India reported. In March this year, in the eastern city of Valencia, a rally made of pro-bullfighting marched promoting the traditional sport. A numbe of pro-bullfighting rlalies have taken place. However, Spain's Parliament,under center-right government moved to protect the sport in 2013, declaring it a cultural asset. But Madrid's leftist mayor withdrew subsidies for bullfighting schools. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Thousands protest in Madrid, call for end to bullfighting

Gay men race in 10 cm heels in Madrid as a part of Gay Pride Walk.

High on Spirit. High on Heels

Security was stepped up at Madrid&#39;s airport on Wednesday, and passengers travelling to Turkey waited for updated flight information after after a series of blasts at Istanbul&#39;s Ataturk airport. 
 
Extra police cars and armed officers were seen outside the airport&#39;s terminal two, where flights depart for Istanbul. 
 
Spanish police declined to confirm whether the heavier security was a direct result of the attacks in Turkey. 
 
Spain maintains the country&#39;s terror alert level at four, the second highest there is. 
 
Spain&#39;s airport operator AENA said flights between Madrid and Istanbul were operating with several hours&#39; delay, but that there were no cancellations on Wednesday. 
 
Most passengers said they were intending to continue with their travel plans despite the situation in Istanbul. 
 
Around 236,000 Spanish tourists visited Turkey in 2015, according to the Turkish Embassy in Madrid. Istanbul&#39;s Ataturk Airport is well connected with Spain, with flights to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga and Bilbao. 
 
The attack on Europe&#39;s third-busiest airport was the deadliest in a series of suicide bombings this year in Turkey. 
 
(Reuters)

Flights between Madrid and Istanbul were delayed by up to several hours, but there were no cancellations

Security was stepped up at Madrid's airport on Wednesday, and passengers travelling to Turkey waited for updated flight information after after a series of blasts at Istanbul's Ataturk airport. Extra police cars and armed officers were seen outside the airport's terminal two, where flights depart for Istanbul. Spanish police declined to confirm whether the heavier security was a direct result of the attacks in Turkey. Spain maintains the country's terror alert level at four, the second highest there is. Spain's airport operator AENA said flights between Madrid and Istanbul were operating with several hours' delay, but that there were no cancellations on Wednesday. Most passengers said they were intending to continue with their travel plans despite the situation in Istanbul. Around 236,000 Spanish tourists visited Turkey in 2015, according to the Turkish Embassy in Madrid. Istanbul's Ataturk Airport is well connected with Spain, with flights to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga and Bilbao. The attack on Europe's third-busiest airport was the deadliest in a series of suicide bombings this year in Turkey. (Reuters)

Madrid airport strengthens security after Istanbul attacks

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