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Assault on activists in Oviedo and subsequent protests

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2026-09-18 09:00 UTC → 2026-09-19 21:47 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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