General strike brings Catalonia to a standstill

In protest against the Spanish police crackdown on the Catalan independence vote Sunday, the province staged a general strike Tuesday. Taking part were pro-separatist trade unions, businesses, schools, transport networks and cultural institutions – even the region’s successful soccer team FC Barcelona. Hundreds were hurt in police efforts to thwart the vote deemed illegal by Spanish courts. Still,more than 2,2m people voted. Catalan leaders are pondering whether to formally declare independence this week, while the Spanish government ponders how to react to the wealthy province’s move towards secession.