Barcelona police evict housing activists from seized residential building

Police moved into a Barcelona residential building on Thursday to remove housing activists who had occupied the largely vacant structure as part of efforts to address the city's severe housing shortage. The activists had seized the property with the stated aim of providing accommodation for homeless and economically disadvantaged residents while establishing a community space.

The occupation represented one of several direct actions taken by housing rights groups across Barcelona and other Spanish cities to protest rising rents and property speculation. Activists argue that numerous buildings across the region remain empty while thousands of families struggle to afford adequate housing.

Authorities did not provide details on the number of people removed or the specific charges activists might face. Housing groups have vowed to continue their campaign, contending that emergency measures are needed to address what they describe as a humanitarian crisis in Spain's property market.

Barcelona's housing crisis has intensified over recent years, driven by tourism, foreign investment, and limited affordable stock. City officials have proposed regulatory measures to increase housing supply, though activists maintain that more aggressive intervention is required to protect vulnerable populations from displacement.