A conflict that challenges legality
In an incident that dates back to the summer of 2021, a group of militants from the Cassoles Housing Union accessed a Barcelona Provincial Council’s unoccupied property, located on Ferran Puig Street, with the intention of hosting families in vulnerable situations. This action has led to the charge of attempted theft, a crime that has generated considerable social and legal debate.
Controversial eviction and arrests
On July 26, 2021, the Mossos d’Esquadra intervened in the property after receiving a complaint, making an eviction without court order. In total, nine people were arrested and faced a judgment scheduled for April 29, with the prosecution claiming eight months in prison for each of them.
The context of eviction
According to the police report, the militants were intercepted as they tried to access the house lobby, where a door had been unleashed. However, the accused argue that the police intervention was unjustified as there was no court order. Agents justified their action with the idea that they could act without court supervision in case of indications that the house was not occupied by the one who had occupied it.
Reactions and legal defense
The lawyer Alert Solidaria, Carles Hurtado, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the allegations, rejecting the possibility that there has been a crime of robbery. Hurtado demands the acquittal of the defendants, arguing that their action responded to a social need.
The perspective of the home movement
Hadrian, one of the militants, considers that the cause is a reflection of the persecution suffered by the movement for housing. In a recent district plenary session, councilor Albert Batlle stated that the actions of housing unions disturbed public order, which has led to a negative reaction among activists.
The economic and legal implications
Although a judicial expert evaluated the damage to the doors at 395 euros, the Diputació de Barcelona claims a total of 3,376.57 euros for repairs and monitoring of the property. This discrepancy in the valuations generates more tension in a context already complicated.
A collective struggle underway
In addition to 9 casseroles, the home movement faces other imminent judgments. On April 23, three militants will be tried for the occupation of the Fork Bloc, and from May 9, 21 people will have to deal with the trial for the occupation of the Bloc then to Poble-sec, adding a total of 33 people accused of several reasons.
Support and solidarity campaign
To deal with the legal expenses arising from this judicial process, the support group of the 9 in Cassoles has launched a crowdfunding campaign with the aim of obtaining the necessary funds and demanding the acquittal of the defendants. This action emphasizes the solidarity and commitment of the movement to the struggle for the right to housing.
