Physical assaults and illegal water cuts by García Seguridad Integral staff have intensified tensions in Seville’s historic centre. Residents and journalists report repeated attacks as a property conflict deepens.
Violence linked to the desokupación company García Seguridad Integral has reached a new level in the corralones of Calle Castellar, central Seville. On Monday, three employees physically assaulted two young residents after cutting off the building’s water supply without municipal authorization. The incident is the latest in a series of aggressive acts reported over recent months, including a broken nose, illegal entry into homes, and attacks on journalists with pepper spray. Firefighters also had to intervene after a small fire broke out in the same building.
According to residents, the escalation began when company staff arrived with tools to seal the water connection. Attempts to prevent the cut led to physical confrontations, with one resident punched in the mouth and another knocked to the ground. Police responded to the scene and advised the injured to file formal complaints. The affected youths sought medical attention and plan to pursue legal action against the desokupas, who acted without approval from Emasesa, Seville’s municipal water provider.
The ongoing intimidation has become a persistent concern for those living in the historic centre. Since the start of the year, García Seguridad Integral employees have maintained a permanent presence in the corralones, backed by building co-owner Alejandro Valerio. Behind the pressure campaign lies a real estate project aiming to transform the 5,239-square-metre site—currently protected and home to a charter school—into a hotel and 35 luxury apartments. The area’s traditional artisan and artist communities now face mounting threats from speculation and tourism-driven gentrification.
Support for the residents has grown, with 84 local associations uniting to oppose the disappearance of these historic spaces and the violent tactics used by the desokupación firm. Meanwhile, the Government Subdelegation has yet to clarify whether García Seguridad Integral is under investigation or in breach of the law. On the same day as the latest assault, company head Miguel Ángel García reportedly threatened residents with an iron bar while being filmed. García, who has a record of police incidents, was recently detained for three days after another violent episode involving a broken nose.
Valerio, one of the main property owners, disputes the residents’ account, claiming his employees were attacked while attempting to cut the water supply and stating he will file his own complaint. He acknowledges the company’s actions have sometimes crossed legal boundaries but insists all other avenues have been exhausted. Following a previous violent break-in, three García Seguridad Integral employees were arrested and are now subject to a restraining order from the building.
In 2023, the majority owners signed a €12 million sale agreement with developer Arenas de la Bellida, conditional on all tenants vacating and the city council amending the urban plan. Valerio denies the deal has been finalized, citing past failed negotiations with international hotel chains. He maintains that 22 tenants remain and blames the situation on the influence of squatters, describing ongoing surveillance and psychological strain on his family.
Legal representatives for the residents expect the courts to soon address the growing number of complaints related to harassment and violence. They warn that continued escalation could lead to serious consequences. The situation in Seville echoes other recent incidents in Spain where property disputes have led to public safety concerns, such as the evacuation at La Vaguada shopping centre in Madrid following an arson attack.
Seville’s corralones are emblematic of the city’s cultural heritage, often housing artists and craftspeople. The current conflict highlights the tension between urban renewal and the preservation of traditional communities. Spanish law allows property owners to contract desokupación firms, but their methods are increasingly scrutinized amid reports of violence and legal overreach. The outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings in Seville may set important precedents for similar disputes across Spain.
