Mallorca protest: looting talk in Palma Telegram chat

Palma, Mallorca: messages about looting luxury shops appear in a Telegram chat promoting a protest planned for Friday. The organisers reject violence and are calling on people to gather at Plaza de España at 19.30. Spain’s National Police have reinforced their plans after traders and others warned that incidents could occur.

The group calling itself Gen Z, believed to be behind the protest call and linked to the Blocus movement, said on Tuesday that it rejected vandalism and damage to public or private property. Some messages in the chat also discuss reacting violently to aggression by security forces.

The group says anyone who uses vandalism to undermine the protest does not represent it. It urges people to bring placards and behave responsibly, saying destruction is not needed to make their voices heard.

Police had already planned an operation for the protest, which has not been formally notified. They stepped up preparations after Afedeco, a traders’ association, and others raised concerns about possible incidents. Police say they will provide security wherever in Palma the gathering takes place.

Balearic government president Marga Prohens has called for a large police deployment. The Spanish Government Delegation says it has received no formal notice of a protest and is working closely with the National Police to prevent incidents.

Topics: Police · Protests · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com