Republican Youth announce Catalan delegation

Sinn Féin Republican Youth have today announced that they are to send a delegation of 30 young republicans to the Catalan Countries in September, a weeks ahead of an historic independence referendum.

Speaking today, International Officer Aodhán Hamill said;

 "We are delighted to announce this exciting delegation to Barcelona in September."

 "This is a unique opportunity to show our solidarity with the Catalan independence movement, but also an important learning experience for many young Republicans."

 "Back in 2014, Republican Youth organised a similar delegation which at the time saw over 2 million Catalans take to the streets of Barcelona to demand their independence. I was lucky enough to have been a part of that breathtaking experience."

 "Since then, Catalans have repeatedly made clear their will to be free. An astounding 80% of people voted for independence in a referendum outlawed by the Spanish state in November 2014, and in the 2015 elections, pro-independence parties won a majority of seats in the Catalan parliament."

 "The Spanish state continues to deny the Catalans a fundamental right to decide their own future. Any attempts to block the democratic process must be condemned by all."

 "We call on the Spanish government to engage in a meaningful dialogue on Catalan Independence, and to stop any attempts to block or outlaw a popular vote."

 "We hope that our presence in the Catalan Countries this September will build upon the unbreakable solidarity between us and our Catalan comrades, and will encourage them to see their fight for independence through."

 "Visca la terra!"