Spanish PM welcomes pro-Palestine protests at cycling race as ‘source of pride’
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says the pro-Palestine demonstrations at the Vuelta a Espana cycling race filled him with “pride”.
The protests, which have targeted the Israel-Premier Tech team over the war in Gaza, have disrupted several stages of one of cycling’s three grand tours and cast doubt on whether the 21-day race could be completed.
In his first comments on the actions, Sanchez shared his “recognition and full respect for the athletes, but also our admiration for a people like Spain’s which mobilises for just causes, like Palestine”.
“Spain today shines as an example and as a source of pride, an example to an international community where it sees Spain taking a step forward in the defence of human rights,” he told a Socialist Party gathering in Malaga.
Still, authorities have increased security for the final in Madrid today, with 1,100 police officers deployed.
Spain’s Vuelta a Espana cycle race ends early as police, pro-Palestine protesters clash
The finale of the cycling grand tour ended prematurely earlier today after pro-Palestine protesters clashed with riot police.
The protests – targeting the Israel-Premier Tech team over the war in Gaza – escalated when demonstrators knocked down barriers and surged onto the road during the last leg of the prestigious race in Madrid.
“Crowds ended up flooding onto the street, pushing down the barriers and clashing with police dramatically,” journalist Lily Mayers told Al Jazeera from the Spanish capital. She said that police also deployed tear gas.
Earlier, Spain’s socialist prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, expressed “admiration for the Spanish people mobilising for just causes like Palestine”.
Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida blamed Sanchez for “instigating the protests”.
Dolls wrapped in shrouds outside Swedish Parliament honour children killed in Gaza
Pro-Palestinian activists organised a symbolic event this evening in front of the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm to commemorate the children killed in Gaza.
Outside the parliament building, wrapped in shrouds drenched in red paint, were placed over the Palestinian flag, in a scene symbolising the children who have been reported killed by Israel since October 7, 2023.
According to the organisers, the event aimed to highlight Sweden’s continued arms trade, despite repeated calls from the UN and the international community to stop exporting weapons to Israel during the war.
Gaza flotilla boats depart Greece
People gather at the port of Ermoupolis before the departure of two sailing boats that are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel’s blockade, on Syros island, Greece, September 14
