Eviction firm head arrested for assaulting residents at Seville's 'Corralones'
El Salto
- Two residents of the historic 'Corralones' in Seville were injured following an attack by employees of 'Desocupaciones García,' an eviction firm hired by the building's owner.
- The building's owner, Garages Santa Inés S.L., is under pressure to clear the premises as a condition for its sale to hotel developer Arenas de la Bellida S.L.
Details of the Incident
- On Friday afternoon, company head Miguel García appeared at the site with two employees, threatening residents and verbally harassing them.
- Witness accounts indicate that García spat on a neighbor and physically assaulted a resident named Aire, headbutting him on a staircase and punching him repeatedly while he was on the ground.
- The attack was recorded by residents. Aire suffered a broken nose, and another resident, Estefi, sustained a knee injury; both were treated at a hospital.
Context of Eviction Pressure
- This follows a previous incident on July 7, where the same company attempted to force an eviction using pepper spray, resulting in the arrest of three employees.
- Residents' advocates argue that the firm acts solely as an enforcer for property owners seeking to fulfill contract clauses requiring the property to be vacant for real estate development.
Follow-up Actions
- Police arrested Miguel García following the assault, and he remains in custody.
- The Assembly in Defense of the Corralones and the local housing movement have organized a demonstration to defend the space scheduled for Wednesday, July 29.