“I am not afraid”: Thousands in Barcelona march against terrorism

A street-wide banner reading " No Tinc Por ," which means " I'm not afraid " in the local Catalan language led a massive rally on Saturday evening in Barcelona to reject violence and terrorism .

Taxis drivers, emergency workers and ordinary citizens who helped victims on August 17 and 18 were followed by King Felipe VI , Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy , and public officials.

Central, regional and local authorities tried to send an image of unity by walking behind emergency workers. This is the first time in Spanish history that a monarch joins a public demonstration.

Still, some citizens whistled in rejection as authorities passed by and held banners criticizing the king's role in promoting military exports to Saudi Arabia .

The Islamic State ( IS ) group has claimed the attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils that killed 15 people and left over 120 injured . Eight suspects are dead, two are in jail and two more were freed by a judge but will remain under investigation.

“No Tinc Por” emerged from a spontaneous civic answer to violence into a slogan that Spain's government and political class has unanimously embraced.

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