The controversy surrounding the parking lot constructed in the Lantzarte field, in Berango, continues. The neighborhood association has denounced the imposition of fines amounting to 602 euros on those who participated in a protest against the works carried out in the area on August 4. The group interprets this measure as an attempt to «intimidate» those who decided to «continue the battle through administrative litigation to clarify the legality of the urban project».

The events date back to the main day of the local festivities, when approximately twenty residents gathered in the area to temporarily halt the work that was beginning that festive day. According to witnesses, the reaction occurred after observing how machines «uprooted several fruit trees more than three decades old». Spokespersons for Lantzarte Bizirik accuse the action of seeking «wear and demobilization» among those who have led the defense of the field.

The Local Police then arrived at the scene and identified those present. Those affected assure that there were no confrontations or resistance against the officers at any time. «They indicated that we could not remain there and proceeded to identify us, but there were never any incidents», state some participants, who also recall that the Ertzaintza (Basque Police) also went to the area without forcibly evicting any of those gathered.

However, the complaint processed by the police forces states that several people knocked down part of the perimeter fence of the work and repeatedly ignored orders to leave the premises. The police report also indicates that «some demonstrators reached the area where the excavators were working, causing the planned activity to be paralyzed».

For its part, the Berango City Council categorically rejects the accusations of retaliation. In a statement, it clarifies that the action of the Local Police was limited to drawing up a report of what happened, warning on several occasions that «it was not possible to access an area where heavy machinery was operating», appealing to safety reasons. In addition, they forwarded the corresponding proposal «in accordance with the Citizen Security Law, with the Basque Government being the competent body to process and resolve the file».

The mayor of Berango has also sought to dissociate the conflict from any personal or political action against the mobilized residents. Furthermore, she has insisted that those affected can present whatever they deem appropriate with all guarantees before the competent administration, in this case the regional Executive.

The mayor assures that in recent months she has tried to restore «a peaceful and respectful coexistence» in the neighborhood after a long period of social tension. She also states that she has received messages of support for the execution of the new parking lot, an infrastructure that, she defends, «responds to real needs of the municipality».