Violent clashes broke out in Madrid on Wednesday as riot police confronted protesters trying to stop the eviction of an 87-year-old disabled woman from her apartment in the Retiro district. Hundreds of demonstrators had gathered, many staying overnight, to block the fourth attempt to remove her. Activists from tenants’ unions in Madrid and Barcelona, along with celebrities such as actor Carlos Bardem and singer-actor Ana Belén, joined the protest. Police fired tear gas and charged with batons repeatedly to clear a path for a judicial team to carry out the eviction order, which was finally enforced on Wednesday morning. The tenant, known only by her first name, Maricarmen, is about to turn 88.
Demonstrators chanted “Ayuso’s attic for Maricarmen,” referring to a scandal over Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso’s alleged use of public funds to buy a €6.3m apartment for a temporary office. Behind the locked door of the building, more protesters occupied the staircase leading to Maricarmen’s flat, while neighbors provided snacks and offered their bathrooms to the demonstrators.
When a developer bought the building where Maricarmen had lived for 71 years, she was given the option to purchase her apartment for €247,000 (£212,000), an impossible amount for a pensioner. The developer then increased her rent from €500 to €1,650 a month, even though she receives a state pension of €1,350. An unnamed “prominent” writer offered to cover the €1,150 difference indefinitely, but the offer was ignored.
In a video recorded by the local tenants’ union before the eviction, a tearful Maricarmen said: “Good morning, everyone, I thank you for the action you are taking, spending the whole night sleeping in the street. Please, keep going, but don’t hurt one another. This has to be peaceful. I can still hear all your noise. A hug to everyone and to all the people who are supporting me in this cruel struggle against a person who wants to make money but who should not forget that they have parents and that one day they could find themselves in the situation that unfortunately I am in.”
The original 1956 contract for the flat was in Maricarmen’s father’s name. When he died, the apartment went to his wife, and after her death in 2008, it was sublet to Maricarmen. The landlords, Urbagestión SL, successfully argued in the supreme court that this subletting was invalid and the contract was no longer valid. Urbagestión SL has been approached for comment.
Speaking at the scene, Aldo Reverte, a spokesperson for the Confederation of Tenants’ Unions, said: “Maricarmen’s case is just one more example of what happens when housing is put in the hands of landlords. The difference is that a lot of people have become aware of her situation and the tenants’ union has shown that we can fight this type of barbaric behaviour.” However, despite their efforts, the protesters could not stop the eviction. Beatriz Duro, the lawyer representing Maricarmen, said: “The owner isn’t prepared to negotiate or accept any sort of offer. We have asked for a place where we can take Maricarmen’s personal belongings.” So far this year, 4,000 evictions have been carried out in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Police Tear Gas and the Eviction of an 87YearOld Disabled Woman in Madrid
Beginner Questions
What happened in Madrid
Police used tear gas on protesters while evicting an 87yearold disabled woman from her home The eviction sparked demonstrations and officers deployed tear gas against the crowd
Who was the woman
She was an 87yearold woman with disabilities who was being forced out of her home in Madrid
Why was she being evicted
Evictions in Spain typically happen over unpaid rent mortgage defaults or legal disputes over property ownership Reports at the time pointed to a housingrelated dispute though details varied
Why were people protesting
Neighbors and activists gathered to stop the eviction and show support for the woman They believed forcing an elderly disabled person out of her home was unjust
What is tear gas
Tear gas is a chemical irritant used by police to disperse crowds It causes burning eyes coughing choking and skin irritation Its technically a chemical weapon under some international definitions but is widely used for crowd control
Is tear gas dangerous
Yes especially for the elderly children pregnant women and people with breathing or heart conditions In enclosed spaces or at close range it can cause serious injury or even death
Advanced Questions
Was using tear gas on protesters legal in this case
Under Spanish and EU law police can use force only when necessary and proportionate Using tear gas against a peaceful crowd protesting an eviction raises serious legal and human rights questions Whether it was lawful depends on whether protesters were violent and whether lesser measures were tried first
What rights protect people from eviction in Spain
Spains Constitution guarantees the right to housing but its not an absolute right Courts can order evictions though social services and legal aid are supposed to assist vulnerable people EU guidelines also call for protections for vulnerable individuals
What is a desahucio and how does it work
Desahucio is the Spanish term for eviction A court orders it after a legal process and a date is set for enforcement Housing activists often try to block these proceedings physically or through legal appeals
Why do evictions of vulnerable people cause public outrage
They highlight gaps between legal procedure and social justice When an elderly or disabled person loses their home it
