The independence movement protests outside the MNAC (National Museum of Contemporary Art) against the transfer of the Sijena paintings.

Politics is beginning to capitalize on the fate of the Sijena mural paintings. Last Friday, the Government of Aragon notified the MNAC that its experts would be entering on Monday to examine the condition of the controversial works they are requesting for the Chapter House of the Monastery of Santa María de Sijena. The Catalan museum readily agreed and stated that everything would be ready by 11:00 a.m., taking advantage of the fact that Monday is the day the MNAC closes to the public. The surprise came when a group of about 25 people, organized by the Catalan National Association (ANC) , staged an impromptu sit-in at the museum's doors.

Led by singer Lluís Llach , president of the ANC (National Association of Artistic Directors), and shouting "Spanish judicial plunder!" and "Independence!", the protesters sought to prevent the Aragonese experts from entering, but their efforts were in vain. The personnel sent by the Aragonese government entered without incident through another entrance at the scheduled time and were able to carry out their inspections freely. They have requested three days to study the various works in question, and the museum assures them that every possible assistance will be provided. They have started with the secular paintings, the easiest to transport, and tomorrow they will inspect Room 16, which houses the mural paintings, the most fragile. The room will be closed to the public, and an alternative route through the Romanesque rooms will be opened so that the experts can work in peace.

Experts in, circus out. That's how one could summarize an action that seemed more cosmetic than effective. Two police vans drove up to the museum entrance, and roughly an hour after the performance began, the protesters dispersed. "The ANC considers this relocation a plundering of Catalan heritage," stated Lluís Llach at the museum's entrance.

Among those attending the demonstration were Laura Borrás, former speaker of the Catalan Parliament and former Minister of Culture during part of the litigation process over the Aragón works; Jordi Domingo, president of the Council of the Catalan Republic; and Junts deputies Francesc de Dalmases Agustí Colomines and Ennatu Domingo. The Catalan Association for Independence also supported the protest. "We resist at the doors of the MNAC!" they posted on their social media at 10:00 a.m., holding signs reading "No to relocation, no to plunder, no submission" and "Sijena, universal heritage."

The independence movement seems intent on mobilizing its base through this new clash over heritage. Aragon used to talk about plunder when referring to what was once a rescue, and now the independence movement is also talking about plunder when referring to what is a judicial decision. What is clear is that politics seems intent on interfering in the ongoing judicial and heritage controversy. For example, the President of the Aragon Government, Javier Azcón , yesterday accused Salvador Illa of lying and being two-faced. Illa, on an official visit to Beijing, did not hesitate to respond, asserting that what Azcón should do is "thank Catalonia and the MNAC for having preserved the paintings" and that "I don't lie, maybe he does."