“We cannot normalize a far-right event ending with police charges against people demonstrating to express their opposition to fascism,” Tomás said, calling for clarification of who gave the orders and why the response was handled in that way. The spokesperson condemned all forms of violence but defended the right to demonstrate as a democratic right, not a provocation to be met with blows. “The Government Delegation must face up to its responsibilities and explain what happened,” she demanded.
CHA ALSO DEMANDS EXPLANATIONS FROM THE GOVERNMENT DELEGATE IN ARAGON
Chunta Aragonesista (CHA) took a similar position, denouncing what it described as a disproportionate police response and demanding an investigation into the use of pepper spray against students during the protests. The party’s secretary for Democratic Memory, Mary Carmen Bozal, questioned the priorities of the security operation deployed for Quiles’ visit and criticized the fact that demonstrators were subjected to police charges while the far-right agitator was protected.
CHA recalled that the University of Zaragoza had previously announced that it had not authorized Quiles’ event on its premises. It is therefore calling on the Government Delegation to clarify the orders given during the operation, the reasons that justified the charges and the circumstances in which pepper spray was allegedly used. “The police are there to protect everyone’s rights and safety, including students protesting against the far right,” Bozal concluded.
