The Ertzaintza arrested 14 people in Bilbao on Sunday night, 30 August 2026, for disturbing public order. According to the police, the incidents took place in the Abando district and coincided with the closing celebrations of the Aste Nagusia in the city. Several officers had to be treated for bruises and cuts after bottles and other objects were thrown at them from a crowd.
The first incident began at around 5.20 am after an emergency call about a fight. At the scene, officers encountered a group of around 200 people, from within which objects began to be thrown. The officers initially regrouped to protect themselves, then deployed riot police measures to calm the situation. Twelve suspects were arrested in connection with this incident. A second, separate incident in the neighbourhood led to two further arrests. The total comprised five minors and nine adults.
The Departamento de Seguridad of the Basque government headquarters condemned the attacks on police officers. The police explicitly classified the arrests as offences of disturbing public order. No information has so far been released about the attackers’ motives. The Ertzaintza investigation is ongoing; the suspects are presumed innocent unless and until convicted.
The incidents coincided with the final evening of Bilbao’s Aste Nagusia, which attracted a particularly large number of visitors this year, according to the city. Consistent reports by local media, including Europa Press and Cadena SER, also noted damage to police vehicles, in addition to injuries to police officers. The municipal Policía Municipal provided support for security measures in other areas of the festival site at the same time.
The operation highlights the security challenge of managing large crowds at the end of multi-day city festivals. Whether the arrests lead to further criminal proceedings will depend on the ongoing investigation and the prosecutor’s assessment. The Ertzaintza plans to provide further details of the individual incidents after reviewing video footage and witness statements.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).