The protest took place at the headquarters of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia in Getxo, against the underwater tunnel project intended to connect this town with Portugalete. During the event, one participant chained themselves to the first-floor railing, while others unfurled a banner reading 'Against the Subfluvial, demonstration October 18'. Security personnel alerted the Ertzaintza (Basque Police), whose officers cut the chain and identified the seven individuals.
According to the resolution from the Basque Government, the incident is considered a serious offense under Article 36.3 of the Citizen Security Law. The administration believes the protest disrupted the normal development of the guided tour and the institution's activities, leading to the opening of a sanctioning procedure. The resolution foresees a fine of 602 euros for each person, although this amount can be reduced by 50% if paid voluntarily.
“"There was no 'serious alteration of public safety', as the guided tour continued normally and the building's activity was not interrupted."
The platform 'Subflubiala Ez', however, does not share this interpretation. According to their account, there was no 'serious alteration of public safety', as the guided tour proceeded normally and the building's operations were not halted. They also claim that six of the fined individuals are accused of displaying the banner, even though, in their view, only three people held it.
The platform has stated that the fines will not deter their mobilizations and they will continue to oppose the tunnel. They argue that the infrastructure would harm the Artaza and Ballonti areas, endanger the Artatza-Romo institute, and increase traffic by 33%. Instead, they have once again called for the investment of over 500 million euros to be directed towards strengthening public transport.
