Francisco de la Torre claims that Local Police officers were assaulted during the housing camp and that the National Police did not respond to their call for help. The CEP demands clear instructions and supports the municipal officers.
The Mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre, stated this Friday that Local Police officers were assaulted during the housing crisis camp in the capital and that the National Police did not respond to their call for help, according to Diario Sur. The mayor explained that, after a gathering in front of the Town Hall, participants occupied the roadway of the park and headed towards Plaza de la Marina, went up calle Larios, and camped in Plaza de la Constitución.
De la Torre noted that the Local Police attempted to dissuade the protesters by arguing that the occupation "disrupts the life of the city" and that "the occupation of public space is not something that is permissible," in a context where "nothing that was happening was authorized." Regarding the police action, he pointed out that "there was a difficult problem for the Local Police, in the sense that they were assaulted."
"I have the impression that the Local Police expected and called the National Police, who were nearby, to help them avoid being assaulted, and there was no action or response"
The mayor added that the officers "were provoked by some leaders of that demonstration" and revealed that the Local Police "may report these leaders who were inciting that pressure action." He also indicated that the PP has raised questions in the Congress of Deputies "to see if there was any order given from the higher-ups of the National Police not to act in these cases."
For its part, the Spanish Police Confederation (CEP) in Málaga has issued a message of support for the Local Police and demanded that the competent administrations clarify responsibilities and provide clear instructions. "Let the competent administrations take a stand: determine responsibilities, clarify competencies, provide clear instructions, and assume the decisions that correspond to them," the union states.
Several videos circulated on social media show protesters forcing local officers to retreat, although beyond some shoving, no significant violence is noted. The atmosphere was hostile for the police, with shouts of disapproval in a crowded Plaza de la Constitución. Among the attendees was the spokesperson councillor for Con Málaga and member of Podemos, Nicolás Sguiglia, with a megaphone. The Local Police attempted to evict the camp unsuccessfully and ended up retreating after requesting the intervention of the National Police without a response.
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