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The Spanish Civil Guard carried out the Ategorrieta massacre in San Sebastian and shot dead eight people

The Spanish Civil Guard carried out the Ategorrieta massacre in San Sebastian and shot dead eight people

Since 1 May, the fishermen of Pasaia and Trintxerpe were on strike in the struggle for better working conditions. Their union was known as “The Union”, Union Maritima in spanish, a majority union between fishermen and an autonomous union. Their secretary was Juan Astigarrabía, who would later become minister of the Basque Government during the Spanish civil war.

The purpose of the demonstration was also to give a letter to the civil governor with their claims. The demonstration went out at 10:30 from Pasaia, reached the high of Miracruz and was stopped by the soldiers. When the citizens asked them to let them continue, the soldiers lowered their bayonets and the people passed between them, applauding the soldiers. But 200 meters later, next to the Ategorrieta clock, the Spanish Civil Guard waited for them. They were told them they couldn't pass and then they shot the protesters.

Eight workers were killed: Julian Zurro (19), Jesús Camposoto (23), José Carnés (32), Marnuel Pérez Allera (34), José Novo (25), Antonio Barrios (31), José Suárez (25) and Manuel López Diaz.

The crime triggered protests and riots in San Sebastian and the government declared the state of war.

Mikel Elkoroberezibar, Ategorrieta 1931 massacre: The most violent in Euskal Herria (Irutxuloko Hitza, May 21, 2021).