Under the slogan of class solidarity in the face of repression, the Socialist Housing Union of the Basque Country calls for mobilisation in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava) on 21 February. On that day, three people will be tried in the court of Vitoria-Gasteiz for facing eviction four years ago. They demand high penalties for them: prison sentences of up to four and a half years and fines of up to 25,000 euros. On the day of the trial, therefore, he is summoned to appear before the court at 10.30 a.m. to support the defendants.

On January 26, 2021, police forces evicted and evicted 15 people, including several families and minors, from their homes on Herrandar Street. The Vitoria-Gasteiz Housing Union, however, called for a protest against the eviction and a large number of people came to defend homes at risk of eviction. They were brutally assaulted: at least four people were wounded and sent to the hospital by police officers, and three members were arrested.

Fines of 70,000 euros and an attempted deportation in advance

In addition to this judicial process, the Vitoria-Gasteiz Housing Union has previously faced fines of 70,000 euros, subject to the same dismissal. One of the members who was arrested that day for defending his home was also tried by the police to deport him. "Thanks to the pressure exerted by the union, we managed to stop the deportation," recalled the union's militants.

The houses on Herrandar Street are still empty

The Socialist Housing Union of the Basque Country reports that in the homes evicted by violent eviction in 2021, no one lives today. "To guarantee the right of some to speculate, families are dismissed, homes are kept empty for several years and those who organize in solidarity are severely punished," he said. "In defense of private property, institutions, police or property owners are willing to use all the repressive mechanisms at their disposal."