Left-wing protesters rioted in Bilbao, northern Spain, after mobilizing against a planned appearance by right-wing political commentator Vito Quiles near a local Catholic university.
Quiles, often compared by Spanish media to US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed last year, was scheduled to speak near the University of Deusto at 7pm on Monday as part of his nationwide tour ahead of the November 29 general election. According to El Pais, several self-described antifascist groups announced plans to protest against Quiles, whom they accused of spreading “hate speech.”
The university suspended all activities after police warned of possible “incidents.” Quiles canceled the talk, describing the protesters as “former ETA members, street thugs and other criminals,” referring to the now-defunct Basque separatist organization.
Scorched metal and billowing smoke across Bilbao. Rioters have taken to the streets, torching cars and bins amid fierce friction tied to the botched Vito Quiles event. The region is on high alert. ⚠️🔥 #Bilbao #Spain #Protests #Breaking https://t.co/tygAcgbPJq
Nevertheless, a crowd of young people, some masked and dressed in black, gathered in a square near the university, set garbage containers on fire and launched fireworks at police. Several parked cars and a police motorcycle were torched.
Coches ardiendo en una calle de Bilbao durante los disturbios tras el acto frustrado de Vito Quiles https://t.co/UjSwY2KPON https://t.co/VoHZUEfijF
Police arrested 19 people on suspicion of arson and public disorder.
The Bilbao clashes followed unrest elsewhere in Spain this month, including housing protests in Madrid, demonstrations against the right-wing Vox party in A Coruña and Avilés, and riots in Barcelona. France and Italy have also seen violent protests over the rising cost of living, with clashes in Paris, Marseille, Milan and Turin.
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