The Etxebarri City Council has expressed its "most energetic condemnation" of the serious altercations that occurred during the early hours of June 13 to June 14, amidst the San Antonio festival celebrations. These events resulted in assaults against officers from the Municipal Police and the Ertzaintza.
The Council conveys its "support and recognition" to the officers injured during these incidents and wishes the affected individuals "a speedy recovery." It also labels as "unacceptable" that professionals dedicated to ensuring safe festivities for all citizens "have to suffer direct aggressions while carrying out their duties".
The Etxebarri City Council wishes to make it clear that what happened during the San Antonio festival "does not respond to any political motivation nor does it represent the sentiment of our town." It affirms that the Municipal Police and the Ertzaintza "are welcomed in Etxebarri and perform an essential role in guaranteeing security, coexistence, and the proper development of our festivals," according to the statement.
The altercations that occurred that night "are incompatible with the model of town and festivities that we defend" and do not represent "Etxebarri nor the vast majority of people who have participated in the celebrations respectfully and responsibly." The statement also publicly denounces again "the sexual assault reported during the first weekend of the San Antonio festival".
Therefore, the Etxebarri City Council calls on citizens to continue "defending festivities free from any form of violence." A rally has been called for this Tuesday, at 19:00, in Zintururi square, as a demonstration of "rejection of all aggressions and violence that occurred during the festivities" and to reaffirm the municipality's collective commitment "to coexistence, respect, and freedom".
Despite these unpleasant and serious incidents, the Etxebarri City Council also highlights, in the same statement, the San Antonio festival which "featured over 100 activities during ten days and broad participation from residents of all ages".
Consequently, it expresses gratitude "for the work carried out by the Festival Committee" and municipal services, while acknowledging the "involvement of the municipality's associations and clubs," as well as the exemplary participation "of the 128 etxebarritarras groups," demonstrating that it is possible to enjoy the festivities "from respect, coexistence, and commitment to our town".
