A conflict has erupted in one of the most multicultural neighborhoods of Bilbao, drawing nationwide attention. Former ETA convict Josu Álvarez Pérez decided to reclaim his apartment in the San Francisco district by hiring the well-known eviction company Horus Desokupa. However, his actions sparked outrage among local residents.
On Monday morning, four Desokupa employees arrived in the neighborhood. Their appearance—close-cropped hair, Spanish flags, and company-branded t-shirts—immediately stood out. Residents quickly noticed them and began gathering outside the building to prevent the tenants from being evicted. The tension escalated, with around 90 people taking to the street to voice their discontent.
Many neighbors were upset not only by the eviction attempt but also by the choice of a company seen locally as linked to the far right. People openly accused the former inmate of bringing ‘Nazis’ into their home. The owner tried to explain that he was unaware of the company’s reputation and chose it due to the lack of similar firms in Euskadi.
When the situation grew threatening, Álvarez Pérez called the police for help. Officers from Ertzaintza arrived and escorted the Desokupa representatives out of the area to prevent further incidents. In the end, the eviction did not take place, and the incident only heightened tensions between the residents and the apartment owner.
This incident has once again raised questions about eviction practices and how such companies are perceived in multicultural neighborhoods. For many San Francisco residents, it has prompted reflection on the safety and cohesion of their community.
