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Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025

Violent Clashes Erupt at Granada University During Macarena Olona's Visit

Violent Clashes Erupt at Granada University During Macarena Olona's Visit

Tensions escalate as supporters and opponents of the former Vox leader clash amidst police presence.
The visit of Macarena Olona, former leader of the Spanish political party Vox in Andalusia, to the Faculty of Law at the University of Granada on September 15, 2022, resulted in significant unrest as demonstrators from both sides engaged in violent confrontations.

The event, intended as a legal discussion, attracted a large crowd of approximately 200 protesters opposing Olona's presence, which led to clashes both inside and outside the university grounds.

National Police units were deployed to escort Olona into the venue despite initial indications from the Subdelegation of the Government that no special police operation would be necessary due to her lack of current public office.

Approximately 40 officers from the National Police's Intervention Unit were present, highlighting the escalated security measures.

Tensions peaked when Olona refused to enter through a back entrance of the hall and insisted on using the main entrance.

As she approached, police were tasked with clearing the protestors who had blocked her way.

A member of the crowd reportedly urged Olona forward, exacerbating the situation and leading to heightened confrontations between police and demonstrators.

Upon her entry, Olona was met with shouts of 'liberty' from her supporters, who waved Spanish flags bearing pro-Guardia Civil slogans.

In response to the demonstrators attempting to disrupt her speech, police intervened by escorting Olona further into the facility, forcing the protesters to retreat.

The atmosphere outside the Faculty of Law became increasingly charged throughout the afternoon, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as 'Out with Fascism from the University,' met with counter-slogans from Olona’s supporters asserting 'Out with Communism from the University.' This verbal exchange did not escalate into physical violence during the earlier hours, but tensions were palpable.

As she began her legal talks, Olona had entered the university surrounded by an escort of eight UIP agents, illustrating the notable security presence.

However, she occasionally stepped away from her protective detail to engage with onlookers, which resulted in further scuffles in the final moments before entering the venue.

Initially downplaying the need for an enhanced police presence, authorities reversed this decision as the day unfolded, ultimately stationing officers in and around the university to manage the situation as confrontations escalated.

The circumstances surrounding Olona’s visit and the resultant unrest brought attention to the ongoing political polarization within Spain's academic environments.
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