Feb 23 • 16:14 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

The police's lack of coordination marked the disturbances at the 'therians' gathering in Barcelona

A police coordination failure contributed to significant disturbances during a gathering of 'therians' in Barcelona, resulting in public disorder and several arrests.

The recent gathering of 'therians'—individuals who identify with animal characteristics—on Barcelona's Passeig de Lluís Companys was marred by significant disturbances attributed to a lack of police coordination. According to the Mossos d'Esquadra, the regional police force, the Urban Guard initiated a premature evacuation when no serious incidents were occurring, leading to the escalation of altercations. The confrontation ultimately resulted in public disorder, with four individuals arrested, three of whom were minors.

Compounding the chaos, the Urban Guard stated that their intervention was necessary due to reported incidents of property damage occurring within a nearby underground parking facility. They justified their operational decision on the basis of a series of prior incidents leading to their call for support from the Mossos. This illustrates a critical gap in communication and procedural alignment between different police jurisdictions, which may have exacerbated the situation rather than diffusing it.

The implications of this incident extend beyond just the immediate unrest; they raise questions regarding public safety protocols and the effectiveness of police collaborations in managing unique community events. This reflects broader challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing emerging social identities and communities, emphasizing the need for better training and strategic coordination to prevent similar events from escalating in the future.

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