World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Three detained and 13 officers injured in clashes at A Coruña protest
Clashes broke out in A Coruña during a protest against Vox leader Santiago Abascal on Wednesday.
The protest coincided with a political event by Vox in María Pita square, and police were deployed to keep the groups apart.
Three people were detained and 13 National Police officers were injured, according to the police account cited by the government delegate in Galicia.
Delegate Pedro Blanco said a small group of radicals caused the violence, while arguing that people had a right to protest and that both gatherings should be allowed.
The BNG party’s spokesperson, Avia Veira, criticised the police response and did not explicitly condemn the street violence, though she said the party did not support the burning of bins.
More than 30 bins were burned, and other damage to street furniture was reported after the protest.
The incidents have raised debate over how authorities protect protest rights and public safety; the sources give no further official action or investigation plans.
Clashes followed a protest against a Vox event in A Coruña on Wednesday, leaving three people detained and 13 National Police officers injured.
The protest coincided with a political appearance by Vox leader Santiago Abascal in María Pita square.
Government delegate in Galicia Pedro Blanco said a small group of radicals was responsible for the violence.
BNG spokesperson Avia Veira criticised the police response and said vandalism took place outside the formal protest.
The clashes included objects thrown at police, police charges and damage to street furniture, including the burning of more than 30 bins.
- Who
- Protesters and police clashed during a demonstration against Vox leader Santiago Abascal’s appearance.
- What
- Three people were detained and 13 National Police officers were injured.
- When
- Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
- Where
- María Pita square and other parts of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain.
- Why
- The protest was held against Abascal’s visit and Vox’s political event.
Government delegate Pedro Blanco
BNG spokesperson Avia Veira
Responsibility for violence
Government delegate Pedro Blanco
Blanco attributed the disorder to a small group of radicals who had infiltrated the protest.
BNG spokesperson Avia Veira
Veira said the BNG and Galiza Nova were not responsible for the disorder and said vandalism occurred outside the formal protest.
Police response
Government delegate Pedro Blanco
Blanco said the authorities planned the security operation to protect the constitutional rights of participants in both events.
BNG spokesperson Avia Veira
Veira called the police charges disproportionate and said police violence was her main concern.
Vox notified authorities that it intended to set up an information table in María Pita square.
Galiza Nova notified authorities that it planned a peaceful gathering in the same square on the same day.
Abascal held a Vox event in A Coruña as protesters gathered, and clashes followed.
Pedro Blanco reported three detentions and 13 injured National Police officers.
- Detained
- 3 people
- Police injuries
- 13 National Police officers
- Protest location
- María Pita square, A Coruña
- Protest size
- About 5,000 people, according to El Mundo
- Burned bins
- More than 30, according to La Voz de Galicia
5 sources
Abascal denuncia desde Burgos la “violencia organizada desde el Palacio de la Moncloa” para acosar los actos de VOX
El delegado del Gobierno en Galicia atribuye los disturbios contra Vox a un grupo "mínimo" de violentos y confirma tres detenidos y 13 policías heridos
El BNG se desmarca de la condena general a la violencia de los grupos radicales en las calles de A Coruña
Cargas policiales en A Coruña tras la protesta de grupos antifascistas contra la visita de Abascal
What people are saying
Este tipo de actuaciones no tienen cabida en una sociedad como la nuestra y mucho menos en la sociedad gallega
As cargas policiais foron absolutamente desproporcionadas, sen mediar palabra, con pelotas de goma e gases; cargas por rúas lonxe de María Pita nas que se deixou arrinconada a xente moi nova
Houbo actos vandálicos despois da manifestación, moito despois. Non compartimos a queima dos contedores, pero non sucedeu no marco da manifestación
la violencia no tiene ningún tipo de justificación