Yesterday’s plenary session of the Roquetas City Council had another moment that caused a lot of controversy, particularly in Aguadulce. Juan Pablo Yakubiuk (spokesman for United Left) asked about the absence by the Local Police in both the El Canarete demonstration last Sunday and the Las Salinas demonstration the week before. . Yakubiuk, head of the Local Police, went to Amat to inquire about this conspicuous absence.
Amat stated that the Local Police were present at the Aguadulce protest, but “they didn’t go to the head” as there was no traffic. This contrasts with the normal procedure where the Local Police usually opens demonstrations and stops traffic as they move. Also, the first mayor stated that the demonstration could only occupy one lane and not both as participants cut in the absence of police.
Juan Carlos Oyonarte (Platform for Mobility between Poniente & Almeria) reacted with anger to the mayor’s statements. He announced that they would take the case to Ombudsman. Oyonarte also accused the Local Police “deliberately abandoning their duties” and leaving to “homeless” participants. This was despite the fact “we had many elderly and children” and all this despite the fact the mobilization was anticipated to be large as it did in 2020.
After accusing the mayor for spreading “stories, trickery,” the spokesperson for the Platform said that the Platform’s Local Police had not shown up to the scene and that only two Civil Guard members were present in a patrol vehicle that was inadequate.
Oyonarte stated that the permits were required for a demonstration using banners on the two lanes. This was exactly what happened two years ago when the Local Police arrived. A citizen spokesperson revealed that Amat had not allowed publicity for the demonstration in 2020.
