Housing protest in Alicante sees first tensions as flag-waving youths approach camp

Tensions flared Sunday afternoon at the housing-rights encampment in Alicante's Plaza de la Montañeta when a small group of youths approached carrying a Spanish flag, prompting National Police officers to intervene and separate the two sides. The incident occurred as the protest neared its first 24 hours, with around 70 people camped in about 40 tents since Saturday night. Some campers chanted "out, fascists from our neighborhoods" during the confrontation, which followed a Saturday demonstration that police said drew roughly 3,000 people. Organizers from the Carolinas and Zona Norte housing unions plan to maintain the encampment indefinitely to pressure authorities for housing measures. Campers reported a generally calm first night despite minor disturbances from people returning from parties and a passing car playing music.