SABOTAGE: Catalan independence group’s manual calls for ‘non-violent’ direct action including the disruption of state activity

A DOCUMENT has surfaced from a radical pro-Catalan independence group which appears to be an instruction manual explaining how activists can use saboteur-style methods to achieve their aims.
The manual, which has appeared in Spanish media, reportedly covers topics including sabotage, escape plans, creating diversions and what to do with caught by the authorities.
Members of the newly-formed Autonomous Rapid Action Groups (GAAR) are said to have drawn up the document. It claims to detail non-violent methods of direct action.
The organisation was established by radical supporters of Catalan independence to co-inordinate efforts designed to disrupt state activity and to work towards secession.
There are concerns that methods laid out in the document could be put into practice when Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez meets with his Council of Ministers in Barcelona. The meeting is set to go ahead on Friday December 21.
The manual begins with: “Passive resistance does not work. This paper does not advocate violence, far from it. Violence itself is not an end but a means.”
It then goes on to state that activists should seek to act on the four “strategic areas” of transport, energy, communications and the police.
It is believed some of this may take place tomorrow which is also the anniversary of the snap regional election in Cataluña called following last year’s failed attempt at independence.
“Create smoke screens in other places, if possible perform actions safely,” the manual states.
It goes on to call for “micro-actions” including the cutting of roads and railways and the blocking of the movement of goods to cause further disruption.
News of the manual comes as tensions continue to rise in Cataluña. Sanchez threatening to send National Police to the region last week after claims that the local Mossos d’ Esquardra were accused of failing to act against pro-independence street violence.
Trade unions representing Mossos officers have threatened to encourage their members to call in sick en mass on the same day as the Council’s meeting.
Barcelona would be left with a large shortfall of police during the government’s visit if trade unions enact their plan.