At least six cars and a police motorcycle were set alight in Bilbao after riots broke out in response to an event hosted by right-wing activist and influencer Vito Quiles. At least nine people have been arrested.
Riots erupt over scheduled event
The "anti-fascist" riots on Monday came as a response to Quiles, following a peaceful protest against his event outside the University of Deusto scheduled for 7pm. The university campus was closed at 3pm after suspending all its activity at 2pm.
In the morning, thousands of students marched through the centre of Bilbao in a demonstration called by the group Ikasle Antolakunde Sozialista. By the afternoon, clashes had broken out between hooded individuals and police.
Arson and police response
Several hooded individuals crossed containers, launched flares and set fire to parked cars and a motorcycle of the Bilbao Municipal Police, according to local media. Firefighters extinguished the blazes while the Ertzaintza, a police force of the Basque Country in northern Spain, moved through the streets to disperse the participants.
In a post on X shortly before the event, Quiles wrote in Spanish: "I have just spoken with the head of the Ertzaintza security operation, who has warned me of a 'very high' risk of incidents in Bilbao in connection with my event scheduled for 7:00 PM."
Event called off
"Given that former ETA members, street-level terrorists, and other criminals are spearheading the protests, the talk is being called off," he said. Quiles continued: "Freedom of expression is sacred, but it is no more important than protecting the safety of all the decent young people who attend these events—people who do not deserve to be exposed to violent situations caused by such riffraff."
He added: "We will return to Bilbao—but only after we have given them the response they deserve on November 29th." Spain will hold its general election on November 29.
