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Spain's Sánchez calls Barcelona riots 'pure vandalism,' vows zero tolerance
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said weekend unrest in Barcelona, which led to about 130 arrests and the looting of some 30 shops, was not an act of democracy but "pure vandalism instigated from the networks."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday condemned weekend unrest in Barcelona as "pure vandalism," promising zero tolerance for those responsible and full support for police and shop owners.
"What we saw in Barcelona this weekend is not an act of democracy: it is pure vandalism instigated from the networks," Sánchez said in a statement. "There is an investigation underway and 128 detainees who will answer to the courts. This government is clear: zero tolerance for the violent and full support for the officers and the shopkeepers."
From a student protest to clashes
The trouble began Saturday when students gathered in Plaça de Catalunya in central Barcelona after a call to protest spread online. The gathering turned into clashes with Catalonia's Mossos d'Esquadra police, and about 30 shops around the square were looted.
After his statement, Catalan authorities raised the number of arrests to 130, including 76 minors. Fifteen police officers were injured, and damage to street furniture was estimated at 36,000 euros.
Pressure on messaging apps
Catalonia's interior minister, Núria Parlon, said the call was first spread on platforms such as TikTok by organizers using fake identities, who then directed participants to mass messaging groups with instructions. She asked WhatsApp and Telegram to close groups inciting violence and warned that a new call for Saturday, Oct. 31, would be met with zero tolerance.
Barcelona's city council set up a 500,000-euro fund to help affected businesses. Government spokesperson Elma Saiz distinguished the riots from legitimate protests over issues such as education and housing, saying parents of detained minors would be held accountable. Several ministers blamed the far right, while opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo of the People's Party blamed the government for social tension ahead of Spain's Nov. 29 general election.
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