Shortly before six on 12 October, demonstrators ran along Calle del Carmen as police moved in. EFE reported that at least two people had been detained by the end of the day: a man in the morning and a young woman after the afternoon clashes. Both were detained on suspicion of resisting or assaulting an officer. RTVE reported that an officer was struck in the mouth during the morning incidents. An egg also hit an officer.
The groups gathered near the square after the Día de la Hispanidad parade. Some had attended the parade; others were camping at Sol. Police riot units moved them apart on nearby streets. EFE reported that the encampment at Puerta del Sol had been in place for 17 days and was organized in support of affordable housing.
One side chanted, “Madrid will be the grave of fascism.” The other answered, “Dead red, fertilizer for my garden.” The chants continued after officers brought the clashes under control.
EFE reported that groups of young people carrying Spanish flags headed to the square after the parade. Media accounts also described Francoist symbols and Burgundy crosses among the flags. Camp organizers appealed for help on social media, saying they feared an attack. They reported “attacks and provocations,” claims that reflect their account of events and are not a court finding. El Español, citing Metro security sources, reported that police requested the closure of entrances to the Metro and Cercanías stations at Puerta del Sol as officers separated the groups.
El Confidencial and RTVC described arguments and people running. laSexta also reported that bottles were thrown. Police contained the immediate escalation, but tension remained between camp participants and groups arriving after the parade.
