On March 2, 2026, unidentified individuals detonated smoke bombs in several buildings on the Álava Campus of the University of the Basque Country (EHU).

Around 11:30 a.m., the activation of smoke canisters and flares forced the evacuation of students, faculty, and staff, disrupting academic activities. Several fire crews and police units were deployed to the campus.

The disruption coincided with the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Vitoria-Gasteiz massacre, an event in which the Armed Police shot at participants in a workers’ protest. The EHU Student Council, which had called for an academic strike on March 3, said the incident undermined the significance of the protest.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about violent attacks disrupting classes and campus life. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. State and university authorities should take reasonable steps to respond to and prevent such attacks, including by investigating and holding perpetrators accountable. In addition to the harm to the immediate victims, such actions undermine academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
https://www.deia.eus/politica/2026/03/03/consejo-estudiantes-ehu-condena-ataque-10771451.html
https://www.elcorreo.com/alava/araba/consejo-estudiantes-ehu-condena-ataque-botes-humo-20260303093851-nt.html
https://gasteizberri.com/2026/03/la-ehu-condena-el-uso-de-botes-de-humo-en-el-campus-de-alava/