Events in Madrid on the eve of International Women’s Day sparked widespread public debate. Police in the Spanish capital detained 13 individuals involved in an attack on the Faculty of Political Science and Sociology at Complutense University. The incident took place on March 6 and became one of the most discussed cases of radical groups interfering in student life in the country. According to El Pais, those detained had aimed to disrupt events dedicated to March 8th, causing concern among students and faculty.
The investigation found that a group of about twenty people entered the university building, where they caused disturbances, damaged property, and attempted to display Falange symbols. Despite efforts to conceal their identities, most of the participants were identified. Among them were not only adults but also six minors, whom police have not yet detained due to insufficient evidence. The operation was named “Jauría” and carried out by the Provincial Information Brigade of the National Police.
Links to the far right
The investigation revealed that the detainees are linked to Sindicato Español Universitario, an organization affiliated with Falange. Two of them had previously come to the attention of the police for similar actions. During the attack, participants tore down posters dedicated to women’s rights and behaved aggressively toward students in the building. Particular attention was directed to the so-called ‘student social hall,’ which police consider to be a center of student association activity.
According to El Pais, in the days leading up to the attack, stickers with Falange symbols and anti-patriotic slogans appeared on campus. This supports the theory that the action was premeditated. Authorities noted that the group’s actions were coordinated and aimed at intimidating participants in events related to March 8. As a result, the detainees were charged with disturbing the public order, property damage, and violating fundamental rights.
Response from authorities and the university
Madrid authorities responded firmly to the incident. The government delegate for the region, Francisco Martin, stated that any attempts to destabilize society would be stopped. He emphasized that efforts to disrupt civil harmony are doomed to fail. The university administration also issued a statement expressing support for the women’s rights movement and condemning the actions of the radicals. The dean’s message noted that the attack was aimed at intimidating and suppressing students and staff, as well as disrupting events dedicated to defending women’s rights.
Police continue to investigate to identify everyone involved in the attack. Authorities are considering tightening security measures on university campuses, especially during large public events. According to russpain.com, such incidents may lead to a review of security policies in the country’s educational institutions.
Context and consequences
In recent years, Spain has seen an increase in far-right group activity, especially ahead of major public events. Attacks on university campuses and attempts to disrupt events related to women’s rights are becoming more frequent. In 2025, similar incidents occurred in Barcelona, when radical groups tried to break up student gatherings. At that time, police also detained several individuals, and universities reinforced security measures.
Experts note that such incidents impact the atmosphere at universities and may lead to stricter controls over mass events. Spanish authorities emphasize the importance of protecting the rights of students and faculty, as well as the need to counter extremist activities in educational settings. New measures to improve campus security across the country are expected to be discussed soon.
