- Jul 1, 2018
- 2,188

Kingdom of Spain
Security Classification: ENCRYPTED
Dear Editor-in-Chief of Liberty Standard Editorial Board,
The Government of Spain issues this response with utmost seriousness following the publication of several false and inflammatory claims in The Liberty Standard’s most recent report titled. We categorically reject the article's central premise and specific assertions regarding the current situation in Catalonia. While we recognize the importance of a free press, we cannot allow misinformation and unverified allegations to distort public understanding of Spain’s internal constitutional affairs.
No Suppression of Civilians
Contrary to the article’s claims, there is no systemic suppression of peaceful protesters in Catalonia. Public demonstrations, when lawful and non-violent, have continued unimpeded. What the Spanish authorities have responded to are armed and coordinated actions by an unlawful separatist organization called the Free Catalan Assembly that has seized public infrastructure, blocked judicial access, and disrupted critical services. To characterize this as “suppression of the people” is false and deeply irresponsible.
Deployment of Special Forces
Spanish security services are not conducting military operations against civilians. We do acknowledge that Spanish Army has been deployed with the presence of specialized national police units in Barcelona is limited, targeted, and constitutional, authorized under national law in response to a credible risk posed by coordinated sedition. These forces are engaged in protecting transport infrastructure, government buildings, and communications nodes that have been sabotaged or threatened.
No curfews are in place. No martial law has been declared.
Humanitarian Services Are Operational
Claims that Spain is denying access to electricity, water, and sanitation are completely untrue. Interruptions have occurred due to sabotage of electrical substations and damage to water main lines by unidentified actors, some of whom are under active investigation. All efforts are being made to restore service promptly, and emergency support is being coordinated with Catalan municipal authorities.
On Dialogue and Constitutional Order
Spain has always upheld its Constitution as the supreme legal framework governing national unity. The so-called Free Catalan Assembly is an unauthorized, non-democratically elected faction whose actions threaten public safety, legal order, and regional stability. Dialogue remains open, but it must take place within the bounds of the democratic institutions shared by all Spaniards.
Disinformation and Foreign Interference
We remain deeply concerned by the deliberate spread of disinformation designed to delegitimize Spain’s democratic institutions. Early investigations have already uncovered external actors seeking to amplify unrest and disrupt European stability by weaponizing separatist narratives. These findings will be shared with trusted international partners in due course.
A Final Note on Liberty and Law
Spain is a consolidated democracy. Our institutions are resilient, accountable, and bound by the rule of law. Upholding national unity and public order is not authoritarianism, it is duty. To conflate legitimate state functions with authoritarianism only undermines the very democratic norms that all free nations must defend.
We call on all responsible media, including The Liberty Standard, to report accurately and verify sources before publishing sweeping allegations that can inflame tensions or mislead the international community. Spain will continue to act with restraint, responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, and constitutional integrity.
Kind Regards,
Pilar Alegría
Government Spokesperson
Kingdom of Spain