Mallorca activists' detention triggers criticism of Civil Guard tactics

Two young anti‑tourism activists in Santa Maria, Mallorca were arrested by the Civil Guard after a protest involving graffiti. Their detention, which authorities treated as a serious crime, has drawn sharp rebuke from local media and political figures. Critics say the police response was disproportionate, describing the operation as an over‑reach that could backfire and fuel further dissent ahead of a larger demonstration scheduled for July 26.

The regional government, led by the PSIB‑PSOE coalition, has remained largely silent, prompting accusations of complicity and political calculation. Opposition parties and legal observers argue that the detentions undermine civil liberties and risk alienating voters in a region already tense over tourism‑related policies.