Catalan protest in Brussels attracts 45,000 people

A Catalan independence march through the EU district of Brussels on Thursday attracted 45,000 demonstrators, according to police.

The Catalan National Assembly claimed the turnout was "one of the biggest demonstrations in years" in the Belgian capital.

The Cinquantenaire park was filled with protestors in red, yellow and blue as they set off around midday, passing behind the European Commission and Council headquarters and holding signs with slogans including "Puigdemont, our next president", "Stand up, Europe" and "Shame on Europe".

Deposed Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont addressed crowds at Place Jean-Rey and thanked Belgian police, as the demonstration passed without any major incident.

"Europe must not be afraid to defend fundamental democratic values," he said. "Catalonia wants to continue as a democratic country and we will continue to work peacefully here in the heart of Europe.

"The Catalans will not stopped by the Spanish government. We have taken our fate in our hands and we will fight for it, we are strong and we will win."

Welsh MEP Jill Evans and MEPs from Estonia and Slovenia came out to support the protesters. A group of politicians from the Flemish nationalist party N-VA was also present.

Photo: Dirk Waem/Belga