Radical Groups, Including PFLP Affiliates, Allegedly Take Over Madrid Housing Protest Camp

A housing protest camp in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square has reportedly become dominated by radical left-wing groups, including activists from Samidoun, an organization linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which is designated a terrorist organization by the EU. According to Spanish media reports, police sources are warning that after key figures from the "Tenants Union" departed, extremist groups took control of the camp. Palestinian flags are now visible, and Samidoun activists, identified by their shirts and keffiyehs, are reportedly present. Samidoun, founded in 2011, is described as a fundraising front for the PFLP and has been banned in Germany, with the US, Canada, and the UK also designating it a terrorist organization.

The alleged radicalization of the camp comes amid reports of violent incidents. The JUPOL police union claims that police officers and journalists have been attacked. One serious incident involved municipal police officers being forced to barricade themselves in their station after attacks, with reinforcements requested from the national police. When officers attempted to arrest an individual, they were allegedly assaulted, and the suspect was pulled back into the camp, preventing their arrest. Four officers were reportedly injured in this incident, including one hit by a bottle and another with a wrist cut, with glass bottles allegedly thrown at officers.

JUPOL has been raising concerns about the camp's radicalization for two weeks and criticized initial police instructions that prohibited helmet use to avoid intimidating protesters, a directive later changed. The union argues that the current situation signals to activists that actions within the camp, including assaults on police and journalists, are not subject to enforcement.

Separately, the President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, filed a complaint with the prosecutor's office over threats and property damage, including graffiti calling for her death and burning her penthouse, along with a cardboard coffin bearing her image and a sign calling her "Israel Díaz Ayuso." The complaint, filed by the Regional Minister for the Presidency, Justice and Local Administration, Miguel Ángel García, cites threats, defamation, hate crimes, and property damage, with aggravating circumstances related to gender and political ideology.

Despite the claims of violence and radicalization, the government delegate in Madrid, Francisco Martín Aguirre, continues to describe the camp as "peaceful." Police directives reportedly focus on maintaining public order without clearing the site. Besides Samidoun activists, the square is reportedly also occupied by Basque nationalist groups, radical fans of Rayo Vallecano football club, squatting advocates, and communist activists. Some activists are reportedly concealing their identities with black clothing and face coverings to evade police identification. The tension at the camp has led to criticism from the police union regarding insufficient support against violence, while the government representative opposes clearing the site.