# Assault on activists in Oviedo and subsequent protests

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/assault-on-activists-in-oviedo
> Updated: 2026-09-19T15:39:04.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

During the San Mateo festivities in Oviedo, two members of the AMA Asturies association, Rubén Rosón and Jorge Fernández, were assaulted by a group of individuals in the Plaza de la Catedral. The attack occurred after a group of youths attempted to tear down a rainbow flag and an anti-racism banner. The victims sustained head injuries and lacerations, reporting that they were subjected to homophobic and fascist insults during the physical assault.

Police have arrested five individuals and identified a sixth. The court has issued restraining orders against the suspects, prohibiting them from contacting the victims. While the prosecution is investigating the incident as a potential hate crime, defense lawyers maintain the altercation was a spontaneous dispute fueled by alcohol that lacks political or ideological motivation.

The incident sparked political controversy regarding the response of Oviedo Mayor Alfredo Canteli. Following early criticism that he downplayed the violence by describing it as an ‘anecdote’ and suggesting the perpetrators were merely ‘young kids,’ the Mayor later issued a formal statement condemning the violence ‘without any nuance’ and expressing support for the victims.

Escalating tensions led to a demonstration in Oviedo’s City Hall square, where approximately 2,500 people gathered to demand Mayor Canteli’s resignation. Organized by the collectives Fiestes Populares and AMA Asturies, the protest followed the physical aggressions against the activists and repeated acts of vandalism against their San Mateo festival stall. During the mobilization, protesters accused the political party Vox of inciting or normalizing the violence, specifically criticizing rhetoric from deputy José María Figaredo and councilwoman Sonsoles Peralta.

## Claims

- A sixth suspect has been identified and is currently abroad on an Erasmus scholarship. (disputed by 3 sources)
- Defense attorneys claim a seventh individual of Latin origin intervened in the fight, though police investigations focus on six people. (disputed)
- The victims reported being attacked with homophobic and fascist insults while defending a rainbow flag and anti-racism banner. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Five men have been arrested in connection with the assault on two activists in Oviedo. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The defense denies any political or hate-based motivation, attributing the incident to alcohol and a chance argument. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Oviedo Mayor Alfredo Canteli issued a formal statement condemning the violence after facing criticism for initial remarks downplaying the attack. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The court issued restraining orders and prohibited communication with the victims, Rubén Rosón and Jorge Fernández. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: Oviedo protesters demand resignation of Mayor Canteli

Thousands of protesters in Oviedo have demanded the resignation of Mayor Alfredo Canteli following violent attacks against AMA Asturies militants and the vandalism of their festival stall.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oviedo-protesters-demand-resignation-of-mayor-canteli

### 2026-09-16: Oviedo assault: Five arrested after attack on two activists

Five people were arrested following a violent assault on two AMA Asturies activists in Oviedo during the San Mateo festivals. The investigation is exploring potential hate crime motives.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/partido-popular-opens-disciplinary-probe-into-member-after-alleged-verbal-aggression

### 2026-09-13: Oviedo Mayor faces backlash after assault on local activists

Oviedo Mayor Alfredo Canteli faces backlash after calling for calm following a violent assault on former councilman Rubén Rosón and another activist during the city's San Mateo festivities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oviedo-mayor-faces-backlash-after-assault-on-local-activists

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Cite as: Assault on activists in Oviedo and subsequent protests. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/assault-on-activists-in-oviedo