First, it was terrorism, and now it is independence referendum violence.
Croatian high school students who have travelled to Spain for their traditional senior international trip should avoid Barcelona and other larger cities – at least during the next few days. That is a recommendation issued by Croatia’s Ministry of Education, as well as the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. In addition to general danger from terrorism, the students are warned about tomorrow’s independence protest in Catalonia, reports Večernji List on October 2, 2017.
“We recommend that, in the next few days, students should avoid visiting Barcelona and other major cities, and not attend any venues for large gatherings. They should be cautious and listen to the instruction of local authorities. On Tuesday, 3 October, a large protest is expected to be held in Catalonia, and we urge Croatian citizens to continue to be vigilant and monitor the situation from all available sources,” announced the Ministry.
“In case there is a need for providing help to Croatian citizens, the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Madrid is ready to step in,” added the Ministry of Education.
It also noted that there was a very high danger of possible terrorist attacks in Spain. “Recent terrorist attacks have been carried out in places where people like to gather (tourist destinations and promenades). It is recommended to exercise maximum caution in places of mass gatherings due to the danger of repeated terrorist attacks. We encourage you to research information about the current situation from all available sources before the trip.
All suspicious occurrences (unattended luggage at stations, airports, suspicious behaviour, etc.) should be immediately reported to the local police. During your stay in the Kingdom of Spain, please write down the emergency numbers and address of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Madrid,” concluded the Ministry.
In August, after a terrorist attack in Barcelona, many schools delayed traditional international trips for their senior students. At the time, the Ministry warned that students should not travel to Spain, but added that the final decision was to be made by schools and parents. Barcelona and the surrounding areas are one of the most popular destinations for Croatian high school students, with thousands of them travelling each year.
