Spain: Rival activist groups protesting outside Complutense University of Madrid Jan. 24

Event

Rival activist groups are protesting at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) Jan. 24. Both groups of activists are gathered outside the Faculty of Information Sciences building. The purpose of the action is to support or denounce an award being given by UCM to Isabel Ayuso, the president of the Community of Madrid.

Additional police are deployed to monitor the protests and keep rival activists apart. Authorities are implementing increased security measures in the area, including road closures and access restrictions, through the afternoon for the awards ceremony. Localized business and transport disruptions are likely in the surrounding area. Isolated clashes between protesters and police or rival groups of activists are possible. Bystanders are unlikely to be directly targeted in any violence but would face an indirect threat of harm

Advice

Avoid the protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the affected area.