Doscientas personas reciben a botellazos a la Ertzaintza en la última noche de las fiestas de Bilbao: 14 detenidos y varios agentes heridos

Hundreds of people hurled bottles at police officers during the final night of Bilbao’s Aste Nagusia festival, resulting in 14 arrests and several officers injured, according to reports from local authorities. The incidents took place in the central Abando district, marking one of the most intense moments of the nine-day celebration. The first major confrontation occurred around 5:20 a.m., as festivities were winding down after days of public revelry. A call to the Basque Police (Ertzaintza) alerted them to a large-scale altercation in the area. Upon arrival, officers found approximately 200 individuals launching bottles and other objects at them, escalating tensions significantly. In response, the police deployed protective gear and used crowd-control measures to regain control of the situation. By the end of the intervention, 12 individuals had been detained, including five minors aged between 15 and 17 years, and seven adults ranging in age from 18 to 34. According to local media, some of the detainees had prior police records, with two identified as being of Maghreb origin and the remainder as Spanish nationals. Several officers sustained injuries, requiring medical attention for bruises and minor wounds, while one police vehicle was damaged during the incident. Less than an hour later, tensions flared again in the same neighborhood. This time, the Bilbao City Police sought assistance from the Ertzaintza following another confrontation. The arriving officers employed proportional force to manage the situation, leading to the arrest of two additional young men aged 19. A 17-year-old was also subjected to an investigation under the Citizen Security Law. Collectively, these actions accounted for the total of 14 arrests made throughout the early morning hours. The incidents have prompted swift condemnation from local unions and officials. The police union ESAN has expressed its full support for the officers involved, calling for a more decisive response against those who attack law enforcement personnel. “Throwing bottles, insults, and aggression toward our police is not a party, it's violence,” stated their spokesperson, Iñaki Uraga. The organization has also called for legislative changes aimed at better protecting officers and ensuring that such attacks are met with appropriate consequences. “Attacking a police officer should not go unpunished,” Uraga emphasized, urging stronger action against perpetrators and expressing hope for a quick recovery for the injured. The Basque Government has similarly denounced the attacks, condemning the lack of respect and violence directed at those tasked with maintaining safety. It urged that such behavior not become routine, stating that “festivities and consumption should never justify violent acts.” Meanwhile, Bilbao Mayor Juan Mari Aburto has publicly endorsed both the city police and the Ertzaintza, praising their efforts over the course of the nine-day celebrations. He described their work as “impeccable” and wished a rapid recovery for the injured officers. Authorities continue to assess the broader implications of the disturbances, which have raised concerns about public order during large-scale festivals. Further discussions are expected regarding potential reforms to enhance security protocols and ensure that such incidents remain isolated rather than recurring. As investigations into the detained individuals proceed, the focus remains on restoring calm and reinforcing the commitment to public safety.