Mallorca: Palma mayor seeks camp eviction over harassment

Mallorca: allegations of sexual harassment around a camp in Plaza de España, Palma, prompt a renewed demand to clear the site on 6 October. Mayor Jaime Martínez calls on Alfonso Rodríguez, the Spanish government’s representative in the Balearic Islands, to act immediately. The group Flama reports sexist behaviour and sexual harassment around the camp and warns that minors are present there.

Why the mayor wants the camp cleared

Martínez had already asked for the camp to be removed. Palma City Council says the camp disrupts normal use of the square, which thousands of people use each day. It says municipal workers have been unable to carry out cleaning and maintenance as usual for more than a week.

The council also points to the original gathering notice, which covered 28 and 29 September. It says it respects the right to assemble but does not consider the current camp part of that gathering. The council has offered to help Flama contact the Family and Women’s Assistance Unit, known as UFAM.

How the camp has responded

After Flama made its allegations public, people at the camp held an internal meeting where affected women described what had happened. The meeting agreed that people whose presence had caused conflict or made others feel unsafe should leave.

It also proposed a procedure for dealing with harassment and other violence. The camp has set up a point of contact for LGBTI issues and support. Flama says some people have apologised publicly for remarks and behaviour that caused distress. The group says it will watch how the measures are put into practice and whether the women affected feel safe.

Topics: Protests · Politics · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com