PLAID Cymru’s Gwynedd Council leader has condemned the violence by the “oppressive” Spanish government police against the people of Catalonia.

Dyfrig Siencyn, who also represents Dolgellau on the council, has slammed the Spanish Government for abusing Catalonion citizens as they exercised their right to campaign for an independent state.

He said: “I condemn the violence of the Spanish government police against the people of Catalonia. It is sad that a state that claims to have democratic principles uses oppressive power to prevent the citizens of Catalonia to express their opinions in an organized and peaceful manner.

“The European Commission should consider formal steps to investigate and hold the Spanish Government to account. Furthermore, it is sad and astonishing that the UK government and our own Senedd here in Wales have been so indifferent in their response.

“We should remember and bear in mind the brave sacrifice of those Welsh men and women who fought an oppressive dictatorship in the past. Our lack of clear condemnation is an insult to that honourable history. As the leader of a council who believes strongly in democracy and is responsible for maintaining the electoral system in Gwynedd, I send a message to Catalonia to express our support and admiration for their courage in facing the wrath of Spain’s unjust government.”

Protests against an independent Catalonia were held across Spain over the weekend with an estimated 350,000 taking to the streets of Barcelona.

They waved Spanish and Catalan flags and carried banners saying “Together we are stronger” and “Catalonia is Spain”.

Spain last week also apologised for the violent scenes seen last weekend during the unofficial referendum.See this week's north editions for the full story, in shops and online on Thursday