Formentera prison camp gets protection; at least 58 died

At least 58 prisoners died at La Savina prison camp on Formentera, in the Balearic Islands: Spain now gives its remains temporary protection. The move follows the publication of a formal recognition process on Tuesday, 10 November 2026. The government is considering declaring the former camp a site of democratic remembrance.

Between 1940 and 1942, the camp held thousands of people convicted by military courts during Franco’s post-war repression. Prisoners faced overcrowding, poor hygiene, extreme malnutrition and forced labour. The official record documents at least 58 deaths. Their remains were buried in the cemetery at Sant Francesc.

The process began after requests from Obra Cultural Balear de Formentera and the Fòrum per la Memòria d'Eivissa y Formentera. For now, the site is listed provisionally in Spain’s inventory of places of democratic remembrance. That gives its physical remains protection while the State Secretariat for Democratic Memory considers a final decision, which it must make within one year.

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com