Catalonia terrorist attack victims still await compensation nine years later

Nine years after the August 2017 jihadist attacks in La Rambla, Barcelona, and Cambrils, victims and their families are calling for the full distribution of legal compensations. According to judicial rulings from the Audiencia Nacional, at least 368 people were recognized as victims due to death, physical injury, or psychological damage, including 16 fatalities.

Government data indicates that approximately one-third of these recognized victims—136 individuals—have yet to receive compensation. Reasons cited for the delay include difficulty in locating victims, failure to process requests, or lack of awareness regarding eligible benefits. While the Ministry of the Interior has compensated 232 individuals, representatives for the victims have criticized the central administration for a lack of effort in locating and assisting those still owed reparations.

Commemorative acts held in Barcelona included moments of silence and tributes from political leaders. However, the anniversary also saw calls for further investigations into potential links between intelligence services and the mastermind of the attacks, alongside political tensions and protests in the city center.