17 Arrested as Franco Supporters Clash with Counter-Protesters in Spain's Vitoria

Police intervened as opposing demonstrators attacked each other with flags and chairs. (Representational)

Spain:

Authorities in Spain reported 17 arrests in Vitoria, a northern Spanish city, following violent confrontations between supporters of former dictator Francisco Franco and counter-protesters on Sunday.

This unusual outbreak of violence occurs as Spain commemorates the 50th anniversary of the dictator's death, with the nation still divided over the legacy of Franco's authoritarian rule from 1939 to 1975.

The Falange organization, which considers itself the heir to the fascist movements that facilitated Franco's rise to power, assembled on Spain's national day in the Basque Country, a region with historic separatist tendencies, to advocate for "the unity of Spain."

Social media footage showed dozens of demonstrators gathering in Vitoria's central square, performing fascist salutes and displaying red and gold Spanish flags before masked counter-protesters suddenly appeared on the scene.

The video images captured police charging towards the clashing groups as they attacked each other with poles, flags, and chairs while throwing flares.

Basque law enforcement stated they had detained 17 individuals suspected of disturbing public order after "radical groups" confronted each other, threw objects, and set fire to waste containers.

According to an official statement, approximately 20 police officers sustained "minor injuries," and medical personnel treated wounded protesters at the location.