The Urban Guard of Barcelona begins the eviction of La Tancada
In the early hours of the morning this Thursday, the Guàrdia Urbana de Barcelona has started the eviction of La Tancada, a building in the heart of the Raval, in Ciutat Vella. This building, which for months has served as accommodation for a group of thirty people, mainly immigrants in an irregular situation, has been the subject of an operation led by the Emergencies and Proximity Reinforcement Unit (UREP). This action, carried out by court order, has had the collaboration of the Mossos d’Esquadra and the Spanish National Police, who have strengthened the protection of the district headquarters.
Recovery of the building and arrests
At around seven in the morning, the operation began and at half past ten, the building was recovered by the Urban Guard. In total, seven people have been arrested, two by the Urban Guard and five by the Spanish National Police, adding up to a total of 149 police records.
Context i antecedents
This eviction, which comes after months of tension, has been carried out by court order and has been motivated by the lack of security and allegations of incidents and public disorder in the Boqueria area, in the heart of the Raval and nearby from the Rambla. In addition, an eviction was attempted last November, which was ultimately stopped.
La Tancada: a problematic space
La Tancada, self-described as a ‘social center’ by the occupants, has generated problems on several occasions, requiring the intervention of the security forces. From the building, the use of ‘racist devices’ in police actions has been denounced, an accusation that has generated controversy.
Reactions and perspectives
From La Tancada, it has expressed its opposition to the eviction, accusing the Barcelona City Council of carrying it out without mediation or complying with the administrative process. Likewise, a legal challenge has been filed to avoid this action, but the judge has authorized the eviction.
