Yesterday, Sunday 1st October,  myself and millions worldwide reacted with horror to television news reports (shown all day long on numerous channels) showing Civil Guard riot police assaulting peaceful protesters, including teenagers and elderly people, who were defending polling stations or lined up to vote.  At least 844 people were injured across the region as police launched baton charges and fired rubber bullets. Police attacked and beat voters at schools and other polling places across the regional capital, Barcelona. Videos emerged of officers kicking, beating with their rubber batons people sitting in polling places and dragging women away by their hair. At the Escola Infant Jesús School polling place, police assaulted Maria José Molina, 64, whose picture with her head drenched in blood went viral on the Internet.  Spanish Prime Minister Rajoy said: “the state responded with firmness and serenity… We did what we had to do ... we have carried out our responsibilities.” hmnn