Students Confront González: Violent Escrache & 150 Radicals
- A forum at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) was disrupted Wednesday by a violent student protest targeting former Spanish President Felipe González and journalist Juan Luis Cebrián.
- In the aftermath, students organized signature drives to denounce the violence.
- The petition garnered over a thousand signatures from the approximately 3,000 students enrolled.
Students at the Autonomous University of Madrid violently confronted former Spanish President Felipe González, disrupting a forum and sparking condemnation. The incident, involving roughly 150 radicals, has led to an inquiry targeting those responsible for the unrest. University officials and the student body are responding to the violence, with many reaffirming their dedication to free expression and dialog over intimidation. The protest, organized via social networks, has raised serious questions about security and free speech on campus. News Directory 3 reporters are following breaking events. Discover what’s next as the university moves to address the impact of the upheaval on its community.
Student Protest Disrupts Event at Autonomous University of Madrid
Updated May 26, 2025
A forum at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) was disrupted Wednesday by a violent student protest targeting former Spanish President Felipe González and journalist Juan Luis Cebrián. The incident, which occurred during a “Civil Society and Global Change” event, has sparked widespread condemnation and raised questions about freedom of expression on campus.
In the aftermath, students organized signature drives to denounce the violence. These students, representing various faculty groups, emphasized that the actions of a small minority do not reflect the values of the university community. They stressed the importance of open dialog and the rejection of violence as a means of expression. One student involved in the signature campaign stated, “The university is a space where there must be freedom of expression and dialogue, and no one can suffer any kind of violence.”
The petition garnered over a thousand signatures from the approximately 3,000 students enrolled. This show of support stands in stark contrast to the estimated 150 individuals who disrupted the event. A manifesto,endorsed by the dean,reiterated the faculty’s commitment to allowing diverse viewpoints,demonstrations,and debates,emphasizing that violence is unneeded and unacceptable.
Yolanda Valdeolivares, the dean, has prioritized identifying those responsible for the disruption.”The dean is collecting facts that identifies the authors, whether individuals or associations,” sources said.
According to Valdeolivares, the university is focused on gathering information to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the incident. An investigation is underway, with the aim of expelling those found to have participated in the violent protest.
eyewitness accounts suggest that the protesters, some wearing masks, arrived at the faculty with the intention of disrupting the event. One student reported that a firecracker was set off in the hall,causing damage and injuring some attendees. The same student also claimed to have seen a kitchen knife during the protest, further escalating concerns about the level of violence.
The Libertarian Student Federation (FEL) claimed obligation for the protest via social media. The FEL, described as an “anarchist organization,” has a presence at several universities in Madrid.Other groups, including Spanish Left and its youth branch, Yesca, may also have been involved.
Reports indicate that the protest was organized through social networks and WhatsApp groups, with students from other universities gathering at the Faculty of Psychology before proceeding to the event.
What’s next
The university is expected to take disciplinary action against students found to have participated in the protest. The incident has also prompted a broader discussion about security measures and the balance between freedom of expression and the safety of individuals on campus. The focus remains on ensuring a safe and inclusive habitat for all members of the university community.