Madrid Clears Puerta del Sol Housing Protest Camp

Police cleared a housing protest camp in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol on November 3, ending an encampment that had occupied the central square for 38 days. Authorities said 334 people were removed and two were arrested during the operation; organizers disputed the official account that it took place without violence. National and municipal police entered the square in the early hours, removing tents and tarpaulins. Firefighters and social services also took part, according to the central government’s delegation in Madrid, which said 400 officers from the two police forces were involved. Municipal cleaning crews later cleared debris. Reporters at the scene observed police closing off much of the square as cleanup was underway. Madrid authorities described the evacuation as peaceful and said two people were arrested for allegedly resisting police authority. The government delegation said officials had spent weeks trying to persuade those still occupying the square to leave and characterized the clearance as a last resort. Camp organizers called the operation violent and said several people were injured. A participant identified as Flor told reporters that officers hit and dragged...