Massive Catalans Protest against Police Violence on Voters of Catalonia Independence Referendum

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Hundreds of thousands of people marched through the streets in Barcelona to protest against the Spanish national police on Tuesday.

It came after the violence that marred Sunday's Catalonia independence referendum when police clashed with voters.

In response, trade unions called for a general strike, which has brought roads traffic to a standstill and closed public transport including metro and motorways, shops and the city's port, and caused huge delays.

King Felipe VI of Spain spoke to the nation later Tuesday evening by releasing a rare television address and accused the Catalan authority of lack of responsibility and attempting to break the unity of the nation.

In the meantime, it's the images of the huge crowds of demonstrators that underscore the mood in the region following the independence vote.

"What happened last Sunday is not something we could afford as a society. It was really disgusting you know," said a demonstrator.

People both young and old joined the march. Firefighters, who had clashed with police on Sunday, also took part. Similar scenes were repeated across Catalonia.

The protest sends a further message of defiance from Catalonia to the Spanish government, and beyond. They demand that their voices be heard. It remains to be seen if they will.

Many Catalans remain divided over the issue of independence. But some believe the actions of the police will only strengthen the resolve of separatists.

"I definitely don't want to talk anymore about a legal referendum or anyway. Maybe if a week ago, they wanted to do this, it will be okay. But after yesterday's event, there's no more speaking," said a protester.

"So we were trying to achieve independence. We voted yesterday. Tried to vote. Police prevented that from happening in a democratic and legitimate way, using lot of violence, a lot of brutality. And reminding everyone of Franco dictatorship. And now there is no way back. We just want our independence," said another demonstrator.

She said Catalans like her are not sure about their future but again stressed their determined will to leave.

"So we are afraid that police violence will escalate. We are waiting for some help from the European institutions. But we don't know if that is going to happen. And we are afraid. But at the same time willing to continue. Upon until the end, there is no way back," she added.

The future path for Catalonia remains unclear. But those here are united in their shock following a violent referendum day.