Asiron rejects the riots in Pamplona and attributes them to "provocations and fascism"

The mayor of Pamplona, Joseba Asiron, has rejected yesterday's incidents in Pamplona, although he is "very clear" that it was "provocation and fascism" that led to the riots. The far-right activist Vito Quiles held an event in the Navarre capital, Yamaguchi Park, and according to Asiron,  "chose Pamplona because it is very anti-fascist."

Asiron, in response to questions from journalists, has said that as mayor of Pamplona/Iruña he cannot accept what happened, especially when there were injuries and damage to urban furniture. Three people were arrested in connection with the events. 

However, Asiron is very clear about what is behind the riots: "I am very clear where the provocation came from, there was a provocation, also intentional; this is not that a person or a group came to Pamplona to explain their ideas, this is fascism." He also said that fascism does not defend ideas, but denies them.

On the other hand, according to Asiron, Quiles did not randomly choose the place where he performed his act: "He chose Pamplona because he is very anti-fascist."

In any case, Asiron has been in favour of "fighting this kind of hate speech," as those who met against Quiles in Castle Square did yesterday. "That's my example, and that's why I was in Castle Square yesterday," he said.

The Socialist Group in the City of Pamplona/Iruña has condemned the incidents that took place yesterday in the city and has expressed its "concern" about the escalation of tensions, hate speech and violence and the damage to coexistence and citizenship.

The PSN spokeswoman at Pamplona City Council, Marina Curiel, has stated in a statement that the city does not deserve to see containers burning and stones flying, and after saying that they reject hate speech and provocations, she has stressed that no provocation justifies violence.

He adds that anyone who responds violently to provocations falls into the game of the provocateur.

For their part, the Socialists of Pamplona/Iruña have expressed their support for the local police, law enforcement and police officers who worked during yesterday's day, as well as for the neighbours and traders affected by the incident.