More than 50,000 demonstrators from across Spain gathered in Madrid’s central Plaza de Colon.
Protestors chanted slogans both in favour of Spain and the country’s constitution and repeatedly shouted “Long live the Guardia Civil” and “We’re proud of our police”.
Both forces were strongly criticised for their brutal tactics in last week’s pro-independence referendum in Catalonia, in which hundreds were injured.
Whilst the Madrid demonstration is the biggest pro-unity show of strength since the Catalonia crisis reached a head last week, much smaller but more numerous protests – roughly 50 – in favour of dialogue with the Catalan ‘independentistas’ simultaneously took place across in cities and towns across Spain.
More No Comment
Overall champion crowned at the World Drone Racing Championships in China
Protesters clash with police during demonstrations in central London
Demonstrators stage anti-fossil fuels protest on last day of COP25
'It's been a blast': Detroit power plant demolished with explosives
'Largest maze of clear ice in US' opens in Washington DC
French actress Juliette Binoche celebrated at European Film Awards
Banksy, bananas and banners as art takes centre stage
Heavy rain and cold weather hits migrants on Greek island of Lesbos
Algeria protesters say they reject 'fake' election results
A hero's welcome for Boris at No.10
The torch relay for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will kick off in Fukushima
New Kanji, new era in Japan
Royal ceremony held with more than 52 ships in Thailand
Santa Claus moves from North Pole to Berlin aquarium