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The arrest on 21 February of rapper Pablo Hasél and his nine-month prison sentence for glorifying terrorism sparked major protests in Barcelona, which degenerated into several days of clashes with police. 109 demonstrators have been arrested. Among other things, Hasél tweeted that former king Juan Carlos is a "mafia boss", and accused the police of torturing and killing migrants and demonstrators.
The ruling coalition led by socialist Pedro Sánchez has emerged weakened from the controversy, with the radical-left Podemos supporting the protests.
