Mallorca housing protest: police remove barriers

Mallorca’s housing protest is losing its barriers: Palma Local Police officers and Emaya workers are removing fencing and other items from the camp at Plaza de España in Palma, Mallorca, on Tuesday, 3 November. Officers are also identifying protesters, according to campaign group STOP Desahucios.

Protesters say barriers kept them safe

The group says police are searching tents without permission and calls the operation an attack on the right to assemble. It says the barriers helped protect protesters, who faced threats after a Vox rally and a Blocus call-out last weekend.

STOP Desahucios says people take turns maintaining the protest rather than living or sleeping on the square.

Mayor wants the camp dismantled

Palma mayor Jaime Martínez has urged the Spanish government’s delegation in the Balearic Islands to have the camp dismantled. He says Palma Local Police will also begin penalty proceedings against participants who break city rules on civic behaviour and the use of public space.

The city says around 50,000 people cross the square daily, and the camp makes cleaning and maintenance harder while limiting public use. It also warns that fencing, other structures and an unauthorised electricity connection could damage the paving and other parts of the square.

Topics: Police · Protests · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com