Radical Group Claims Responsibility for Vandalism of Churches in Barcelona

Original Article

Barcelona, Spain, Jul 28, 2009 / 02:29 pm (CNA).- The group known as “La Gallinaire” has claimed responsibility for the vandalizing the walls of some 20 churches in Barcelona with slogans such as “The Church Stinks,” “Revolution,” and “Stop Clerical Sex Abuse.”

The radical group released a statement on Sunday claiming responsibility for the vandalism and saying their actions were part of the “continuing struggle” which began with what is known in Spain as the “Tragic Week” of 1909.

The Archdiocese of Barcelona lamented recent acts of vandalism and recalled that the right to freedom of religion and worship is a fundamental right protected by the Spanish Constitution.

Police are investigating the incidents but no arrests have been made as of yet.

In July of 1909 protests erupted in Barcelona and the surrounding cities over the government’s plan to call up reservists for Spain’s military conflict in Morocco, resulting in dozens of deaths and church burnings. The clashes between the mainly blue collar workers and the army were fomented by several socialist and anarchist groups.