The security and emergency services of the Madrid City Council have prepared a report with images in which they warn of the presence of sharp objects, knives and cobblestones in the Puerta del Sol camp, as well as the use of ropes tied to columns and lampposts and acts of vandalism on monuments. With this document, the City Council has once again demanded its eviction from the Government Delegation and has warned of legal action in the event that the Administration does not adopt measures against "the illegal concentration."
In a letter sent on Wednesday night, the vice mayor and the delegate of Security and Emergencies, Inma Sanz, states that the use of sharp articles poses "a clear threat" to citizen security, the "competence" of the Government Delegation. "They can be used as a weapon to cause injuries to people who remain and pass by, or to members of the security forces," he argues.
Added to this are "serious" acts of vandalism in historical and heritage assets, such as the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, with a "tone of threat towards political leaders of this region", in reference to the 'Help, be careful' graffiti. It also notes damage to the Royal Post Office, headquarters of the regional government. "They represent criminal activity, harshly punished by our legal system and that must give rise to the demand for serious criminal and property responsibilities," asserts the vice mayor.
On the other hand, the report emphasizes that the concentration "has not stopped growing", which would make it "almost impossible" for the emergency services to act in the event of any eventuality that may occur. Specifically, the camping in Sol now reaches the 'Ballena' of Renfe and several Metro entrances. More shops have been placed in the area of the Community of Madrid building that "do not allow the normal passage of vehicles." The same thing happens in the area of Preciados and Carmen streets, a situation that "endangers both pedestrians and the campers themselves."
The City Council insists that the placement of these shops also prevents "the free movement of people", so that passers-by "cannot freely cross Puerta del Sol transversally, necessarily having to go around the square." Along these lines, he warns that the campers have tied ropes to columns, streetlights and awning tensioners for their tents, as well as to the fences around the suburban station.
The document indicates that the Government Delegation issued a statement this Tuesday indicating that the camping in Puerta del Sol was "protected by the exercise of the fundamental right of assembly", which is why it considers that it is "recognising that the jurisdiction is its own, as is evident based on the legal system." For this reason, the vice mayor "wants to know" the resolution and the measures that have been established in this regard, in the exercise of the powers that correspond to her in accordance with Organic Law 8/1983 regulating the right of assembly, in which a series of requirements are established so that it can be considered in accordance with the law.
The mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, warned this Wednesday of these "criminal activities as an argument to demand the eviction of the demonstration: "We will inform the Government delegate of this from the City Hall in case he continues to consider that this is a peaceful camping trip and that there is no risk to public order and security." He also announced that the Municipal Police will fence the Bear and the Strawberry Tree to prevent it from being vandalized.
The Government delegate, Francisco Martín, stressed on Tuesday that the camp is "demanding, but absolutely peaceful" and that the work of the State Security Forces and Bodies is to "ensure citizen security." However, the mayor stressed that the Delegation "no longer has an excuse to evade its responsibilities" with the document prepared by the municipal services.
