Almería Protest March

Yesterday I went on the peaceful protest march in Almería in support of the Prior family (Len & Helen) who lost their property a year to the day. Well they didn’t lose it as such, they had it taken from them in as dramatic a fashion as you could imagine ……… they were given two hours to move everything out before the bulldozers moved in and demolished it before their very eyes. Len in particular took it very hard and had to be taken to hospital in an Ambulance having collapsed with a suspected heart attack.

While the Priors were certainly the focal point yesterday, they were but the tip of the iceberg in terms of the issue known as Land Grab, and in many way the real star of the show yesterday was Lenox Napier who gave a couple of speeches and a LOT of interviews to the press. He was sort of the focal point and he did it very well.

I had arranged to go with Justin from Eye on Spain and it gave us a great chance to talk blogging, web content, SEO etc etc!! All very dull and boring I am sure for the majority, but it is the way we make our livings so was great to have the chance to share some thoughts, and identify a few areas that we think we can work together on.

My overall impression of the march was very positive indeed. No real confirmation on numbers but with 5+ coaches bringing people from all over the area I would hazard a guess at around 2,000+. All very peaceful and respectful, but loud with their whistles and very committed to getting justice. The over riding message was that they love Spain, want to live in Spain, have done nothing wrong, are victims of circumstance/corruption/greed/mis-management (take your pick) and just want their civil and human rights recognised, and compensation paid where it is relevant, and acceptance of the legality of their homes where possible.

The police did a great job, clearing the roads and rambla, and keeping a respectful distance. Even outside the Junta de Andalucia offices, the focal point of the protest, where the crowd chanted for the presence of the villain in all this Luis Caparrós, who approved the demolition, there was no trouble.

Helen, Len and a few others went in for a meeting with Luis Caparrós and many of the protesters took the opportunity to grab a coffee of glass of wine wile listening to a number of speeches and stories from other victims and people involved in the cause. I think the meeting was a bit of a ‘master stroke’ by Luis Caparrós as it went on for AGES and many people had left by the time the group returned from the marathon session with him.

I would like to be able to report a 100% successful outcome (see the demands list at the bottom of this post) but I can’t as it was bit confusing at the end. Helen seemed disappointed when I spoke to her, while others said it had moved the debate forward.

Had a quick drink with Lenox and Justin at the end, and then headed back home. Really enjoyed the day!! Met some great people, was really impressed with the dignity of Len & Helen, and the passion of the protestors. Hopefully it will have done some good, and hopefully it wont be a ‘one off’!!

Photos

Videos

Click To Play

Links Associated With This Article

• Watch the video on You Tube
• Watch the video on Blip.TV
• See ALL the photos on Flickr!
• Watch the original Priors video on You Tube
• Eye On Spain
• Solarpix
• The Daily Telegraph
• Spanish Shilling
• The Entertainer On Line

Supporting Documents & Articles

• The Demands of the March
• Josephine’s Article On Land Grab Lessons
• Boost for British expatriates who lost land in Spain by Fiona Govan

Press Coverage Online

• ideal.es
• El Almería
• ideal.es
• Teleprensa
• Europa Press
• El Pais

The DECALOGUE OF DEMANDS

We, the demonstrators, are asking for:

1. COMMISSION OF INVESTIGATION: To be established, with representatives from the government and citizens’ groups (including those for the protection of homeowners’ rights and the ecologists):

- To investigate the existing grave planning and environmental problems, to draw up a report on the causes of said problems and their possible solutions, as well as recommendations for the future.

- To follow up any measures adopted to resolve said problems, as a consulting body, giving maximum publicity of and transparency to these measures.

- In both the investigation and follow-up, the following principles will especially be taken into account: 1. The necessity of full adherence to EU community law and of human rights, including those covered by the European Convention on Human Rights as well as the case law of the European Court of Human Rights 2. The true needs of the cities and towns affected 3. Sustainability from an environmental point of view and the need to preserve the historical and cultural identity of the affected areas 4. That developers, the administration and other third parties responsible for these problems should rectify the damages caused in a real and effective manner 5. The threat of demolition of property acquired in good faith by home owners should only occur in exceptional cases and in such a case, effective, real and prior compensation must be guaranteed 6. The legitimate right of purchasers to property acquired legally must be recognised and criteria established according to Art. 33 of the Spanish Constitution with respect to public and social interest in order to prevent and forbid the abuse of people’s property rights by decisions of local and regional authorities 7. Where compensation is required for the loss of property such compensation should be made prior to such loss, and at proper rates which conform to the case law of the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights 8. Any process of regularisation should, as far as possible, include binding agreements (including adequate guarantees) between those who have caused the irregularities and the administration. The above follows recommendations made by the European Parliament in its Resolution dated 21 June 2007 based on results collected during their fact-finding visit to the Autonomous Communities of Andalucia, Valencia and Madrid conducted on behalf of the Committee of Petitions.

2. ARBITRATION: A special administrative commission composed in a similar fashion as the Commission of Investigation and guided by the same principles, should be created. This commission should include a provincial public ombudsman, advised by independent investigation services including representatives from the administration and from citizens’ groups (including those for the defence of individual property owners and ecology groups), and with arbitration powers in relation to disputes concerning these problems. The commission should be available to affected parties free of charge (point 12 of above Resolution).

3. MORATORIUM: A moratorium on any pending proceedings which could result in the demolition of houses should be put into effect while the Commission of Investigation carries out its work.

4. ELECTRICITY AND WATER: As a matter of priority and on humanitarian grounds, any house which has been occupied in the past three years should be temporarily permitted electricity and water services until the regularisation process has been concluded. (In conformity with Art. 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of the United Nations of 16 Dec 1966).

5. TRANSPARENCY AND PARTICIPATION: Notice of any planning or environmental proceedings should be communicated individually to all those affected, directly or indirectly, as well as publicised widely; publication in the relevant Bulletins not being sufficient (point 10 of above Resolution).

6. PROTOCOL: An obligatory protocol should be established setting out the precise steps and standardised procedures concerning the purchase and sales of real estate to individual homeowners, similar to those in other EU member states such as the UK, which should include:

- Binding Certificates which must be issued by the relevant administrative body relating to: 1) Planning; 2) Environmental regulations; 3) Catastral and Land Registry
- Standardised sales contracts and deeds (escrituras)
- Obligatory time periods

7. CATASTRAL & LAND REGISTRY: Information in these two registries must coincide, with the Land Registry including graphical information.

8. ESTATE AGENTS: Should 1) be licensed or have passed an examination of sufficient knowledge and capacity; 2) have adequate insurance to cover all civil liabilities; 3) be clearly regulated in their activities.

9. PROMOTERS & CONSTRUCTORS: These must be subject to bonds, guarantees or insurance to cover possible liabilities to third parties (including to buyers), and the administration; for planning or environmental breaches or infractions, etc. To present and manage any planning instrument, proof that such guarantees are in force should be required.

10. PRIOR FAMILY: As a matter of highest urgency, the Junta de Andalucia should immediately compensate the Prior family, seeking to recover subsequently from such third parties which it deems necessary, without the Priors having to undertake any legal action in order to obtain such compensation. (In conformity with Art. 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights and Art. 1 of Protocol 1 of said Convention).

Having a Say in Development of Your Area

Since getting involved in this research, I have learned a lot and shared what I’ve learned. Certainly information is power and I feel less threatened than before. There are resources available everywhere and plenty of people with specialist knowledge which perhaps isn’t getting disseminated in the best way. Unfortunately, according to one planning specialist, people usually look for professional help when it’s already too late. I’ve also been surprised to find that Spanish who have moved to our rural area for a better quality of life were just as uninformed as we were. It is time to find ways to stay informed, whatever happens in these elections, so that we can participate in any development plans for our area. We need a more proactive role in shaping and safeguarding our future.

The link to the full article from Josephine is above.

About Almerimar

Almerimar is located in the region of Andalucia, Spain. The nearest airport is 30km away in Almeria. Other airports that are within 3 hours include Malaga, Murcia, Granada, and Alicanti. Other holiday resorts in the region include Mojacar , Aguadulce and Roquetas de Mar

Almerimar is also one of the largest marinas in Spain with over 2,000 berths and excellent boatyard facilities.