Violence Erupts During Protest Against Eviction of Occupied Social Center in Bilbao
Clashes between demonstrators and Ertzaintza leave five detained and four police officers injured.
On the night of April 3, 2025, clashes occurred between hundreds of demonstrators and the Ertzaintza police in the vicinity of the Gaztetxe Etxarri, an occupied social center located in the Rekalde neighborhood of Bilbao.
The conflict arose ahead of a planned eviction scheduled for April 4, following a judicial order.
During the unrest, demonstrators engaged in aggressive actions, setting fire to refuse containers and hurling various projectiles at law enforcement.
In response, police deployed crowd control measures, resulting in a protracted confrontation lasting approximately one and a half hours.
Prior to the outbreak of violence, the Ertzaintza had established a cordon around the building, which has been occupied for nearly a decade, to prevent access as the eviction loomed.
The altercations began when groups of young protesters attempted to breach the police blockade.
Approximately fifty police officers were present on-site, including reinforcements from the Ertzaintza's Mobile Brigade, equipped with anti-riot gear.
The extent of the injuries to police personnel resulted from various assaults, with reports indicating that four officers sustained injuries during the encounters.
Law enforcement officials indicated that five individuals were arrested on charges of attacking police officers.
The protesting youth predominantly voiced opposition to the police through chants and demonstrated support for the continued occupation of the building.
Demonstrators also employed incendiary devices and fireworks throughout the challenge, emphasizing the intensity of the event.
Emergency services, including fire trucks and ambulances, were dispatched to the area to assist as the situation developed.
The events highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding social squatting and the state's response to such movements in urban centers.
The conflict arose ahead of a planned eviction scheduled for April 4, following a judicial order.
During the unrest, demonstrators engaged in aggressive actions, setting fire to refuse containers and hurling various projectiles at law enforcement.
In response, police deployed crowd control measures, resulting in a protracted confrontation lasting approximately one and a half hours.
Prior to the outbreak of violence, the Ertzaintza had established a cordon around the building, which has been occupied for nearly a decade, to prevent access as the eviction loomed.
The altercations began when groups of young protesters attempted to breach the police blockade.
Approximately fifty police officers were present on-site, including reinforcements from the Ertzaintza's Mobile Brigade, equipped with anti-riot gear.
The extent of the injuries to police personnel resulted from various assaults, with reports indicating that four officers sustained injuries during the encounters.
Law enforcement officials indicated that five individuals were arrested on charges of attacking police officers.
The protesting youth predominantly voiced opposition to the police through chants and demonstrated support for the continued occupation of the building.
Demonstrators also employed incendiary devices and fireworks throughout the challenge, emphasizing the intensity of the event.
Emergency services, including fire trucks and ambulances, were dispatched to the area to assist as the situation developed.
The events highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding social squatting and the state's response to such movements in urban centers.
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