A large-scale eviction took place Thursday in parla, Spain, as authorities removed between 80 and 100 individuals who had occupied a vacant former NH hotel [[1]]. The incident occurs amidst a national debate over so-called “okupa” activity – illegal property occupation – and follows recent legal reforms intended to protect property owners [[2]], even as concerns grow regarding housing access for vulnerable populations [[2]]. Local officials are reportedly worried about an increase in these occupations, with Parla becoming a particular hotspot.
Mass Eviction at Hotel in Parla, Spain, Following Occupations
Spanish police evicted approximately 80 to 100 people from a former NH hotel in Parla, Madrid, on Thursday, February 29, after the building was occupied earlier in the day. The incident underscores growing concerns about property occupations in the region.
Authorities began the eviction process hours after the group entered the hotel, which is undergoing renovations. Initial reports indicated around 60 individuals were involved, but the number grew to an estimated 80-100 as police responded. The operation involved a significant police presence to ensure the safe removal of the occupants.
The building had been unoccupied prior to the occupations. Local officials have expressed frustration with a perceived rise in such incidents, with some voicing concerns that Parla is becoming a focal point for illegal property takeovers. “Parla cannot be the paradise of occupation,” a local source stated.
The evictions were carried out without major incidents, according to reports. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between property rights and housing access issues in Spain. The former NH hotel remains closed for renovations following the evictions.
