Abertzale radicals attack Spain fans with extendable batons
Radical abertzale activists attacked supporters of Spain's national football team with extendable batons and pepper spray, while police focused on policing sticker swaps.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Abertzale radicals attack Spain fans with batons, reinforced gloves and pepper spray
Political violence in the Basque Country has not disappeared: it has changed shape. A group of abertzale radicals, shouting "kale borroka", assaulted fans of the Spanish national football team during a celebration. According to complaints filed, the attackers carried extendable batons, reinforced gloves and pepper spray, equipment typical of the street violence inherited from ETA.
Meanwhile, the police, according to the same sources, were busy "monitoring the kids' sticker swaps in the park". The irony is hard to miss: the state seems more focused on pursuing sticker trading than on deterring organised armed groups.
The contrast is stark. Basque players such as Oyarzabal and Zubimendi celebrated with the national team singing the anthem, while a radical minority chose violence. It is no coincidence that Bildu comes up in the debate: the supposed "bourgeoisification of kale borroka" clashes with episodes that recall the worst days of ETA.
Some analyses point to an "emboldening" under Sánchez's government, which would amnesty those arrested in the name of coexistence. If there are no legal consequences, these episodes will become normalised. And coexistence, as always, will come at the expense of those who refuse to stay silent.
Political violence in the Basque Country has not disappeared: it has changed shape. A group of abertzale radicals, shouting "kale borroka", assaulted fans of the Spanish national football team during a celebration. According to complaints filed, the attackers carried extendable batons, reinforced gloves and pepper spray, equipment typical of the street violence inherited from ETA.
Meanwhile, the police, according to the same sources, were busy "monitoring the kids' sticker swaps in the park". The irony is hard to miss: the state seems more focused on pursuing sticker trading than on deterring organised armed groups.
The contrast is stark. Basque players such as Oyarzabal and Zubimendi celebrated with the national team singing the anthem, while a radical minority chose violence. It is no coincidence that Bildu comes up in the debate: the supposed "bourgeoisification of kale borroka" clashes with episodes that recall the worst days of ETA.
Some analyses point to an "emboldening" under Sánchez's government, which would amnesty those arrested in the name of coexistence. If there are no legal consequences, these episodes will become normalised. And coexistence, as always, will come at the expense of those who refuse to stay silent.
Also available in: Deutsch
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (16 replies).
More summaries
-
Israel to debate recognising Catalonia and the Basque Country
Israel will debate recognising Catalonia and the Basque Country, a move widely read as retaliation for Sánchez's policy on Gaza.
-
Thousands of drug fines expire in Ertzaintza due to neglect
A breakdown at the Ertzaintza laboratory leaves thousands of drug fines unpunished; the Euspel union speaks of neglect.
-
ETA resurgence debate after Basque Country unrest
After attacks in the Basque Country during the World Cup, debate resurges over whether ETA is returning. Analysis of opposing views: from those who see a remnant…
-
Venom singer Cronos dies days after Bruno Kramm's death
Cronos, singer of Venom, dies of unknown causes, days after the death of artist Bruno Kramm following a live performance in Granada
-
Looters in Paris allegedly steal signed Messi memorabilia in France
A viral tweet claims that during the Paris looting, a signed Messi shirt and captain's armband were stolen. Here is what is actually known.
-
Armesilla (40+ and no heirs): Spain's right should thank the PSOE
Santiago Armesilla claims that the PSOE's existence prevents riots in Spain like those in France, Romania or Albania. Here is what he says and what lies behind it.