Security authorities in Spain are warning of online calls for protests and possible rioting on Saturday, 31 October 2026. Anonymous profiles are circulating dates and meeting points in several cities under the slogan Blocus on TikTok, Telegram and other networks, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona. The material in circulation features an aesthetic of burning barricades and manipulated images of the Puerta del Sol in flames. Fact-checkers have also documented posts with instructions on moving around with faces covered, as well as individual calls for looting and attacks on infrastructure.
In Catalonia, the Mossos d'Esquadra have expanded their investigations into the recent riots in Barcelona and reported several arrests. Catalan Interior Minister Núria Parlón described them as criminal acts with no legitimate political basis. She announced plans to identify the operators of relevant channels and ask major platforms to shut down chats glorifying violence. According to the authorities, the investigations target both suspected instigators and administrators of relevant groups.
Police authorities are also monitoring the situation in Madrid. Circulating messages name Puerta del Sol and the Plaza de España as possible meeting points; authorities are checking which gatherings were properly notified. The situation in the capital is further charged politically by a protest camp that has been at Puerta del Sol since 26 September. The Madrid regional government has been pressing for weeks for it to be cleared, while the central government delegation has cited the right to freedom of assembly. Courts and prosecutors are simultaneously examining indications of possible offences such as incitement and forming criminal associations.
Independent fact-checkers urge caution over purported invitations. Many profiles are anonymous, easy to manipulate or disappear again after a short time; not every message marked Blocus is genuine. Authorities therefore advise people to rely primarily on official police announcements and notifications of authorised gatherings.
According to security sources, additional forces are to be on standby on Halloween evening, ready to respond preventively and according to the situation. Lawfully notified and peaceful demonstrations remain protected under the right of assembly. Criminal acts such as property damage, looting or attacks on emergency personnel will be prosecuted. Members of the public are urged to check the latest information on public transport and any road closures, and to avoid crowds where tensions could escalate.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).