Oviedo Mayor faces backlash after assault on local activists

A political controversy has emerged in Oviedo following a violent assault on two members of the AMA Asturies association during the San Mateo festivities. The victims, former councilman Rubén Rosón and Jorge Fernández, were reportedly beaten by eight individuals, sustaining head injuries and lacerations.

Oviedo Mayor Alfredo Canteli has faced criticism for his response to the incident. Canteli has called for calm and prudence, stating he has only heard one side of the story and has avoided making premature conclusions. He also remarked that the alleged perpetrators might not be “bad people,” a statement that Rosón described as “inhumane” and an attempt to downplay the gravity of the violence.

Thousands of people gathered in the Plaza de la Catedral to protest the assault, characterizing it as a fascist attack and demanding support for the victims. The incident has intensified local debates regarding public safety during festivals and the political climate in Asturias.