A Spanish mayor has been arrested for protesting the construction of a bullring in Andalucia.
Agustin Conejo, the leader of Zahara de los Atunes, in Cadiz, was cuffed by Policia Local as he attempted to stop the installation of a portable bullring.
The arrest took place at around 5pm on Friday, and saw Conejo, leader of the Gente de Zahara party, taken to the local barracks.
Sources from the Zahara Local Autonomous Authority said the drama unfolded when Conejo stood in front of machinery being used to prepare land for the bullring, which is due to hold a ‘charity bullfight’ next Saturday.
There has been growing tension in the town over the bullfight. Traditional locals see the event as a tourist and cultural attraction, while others oppose it on ethical grounds.
Zahara de los Atunes sits on the Atlantic coast of Cadiz and is a hugely popular tourist resort, especially in high season.
The Zahara de los Atunes Bullfighting Festival, promoted by the Zahara Merchants Association (ACOZA), will be held on Saturday, April 19, at 6pm.
There are big name matadors taking part, including Jose Antonio Canales Rivera and Cayetano Rivera Ordoñez, and young Barbate bullfighter Adrian Guillen.
Five bulls from the Cadiz-based ‘El Soldado’ ranch will be fought, and ultimately killed.
The event will be extra traditional thanks to the appearance of picadores; horse-mounted bullfighters who use lances to stab the bulls in the neck and shoulders, making them easier targets for the matadors on foot.
Mayor Conejo has been outspoken against the event ever since it was announced, joining protesting voices from animal rights groups.
A protest has been organised an hour before the event begins next week, starting at the Zahara de los Atunes soccer field.
The demonstration is being led by the Zahara council, the Barbate Animal Shelter Association, and the Enebro – Ecologists in Action collective, under the slogan: ‘For a Barbate and Zahara de los Atunes free from animal abuse.’
Meanwhile, those behind the event claim it will being an economic boost to the town.
The PSOE party’s Barbate arm said in a statement: ‘From the Barbate PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party) and the Socialist Municipal Group, we wish to express our full support to the President of the Zahara de los Atunes Agustin Conejo, following his arrest this afternoon.
‘Without going into the substance of the matter, the underlying cause, and the context, while always respecting each and every one of the sensitivities, we do not understand how respect for a president has been completely lost by the Barbate City Council…
‘We wish to send a message of support to Mr. Agustin Conejo and an amendment to normalcy, dialogue, and institutional loyalty.’
