On March 6, 2026, a group of unidentified hooded individuals stormed the Complutense University in Madrid, vandalizing university property ahead of International Women’s Day.

Approximately 30 masked and hooded people entered the Faculty of Political Science and Sociology in the afternoon. They verbally abused students, ripped down posters and banners (especially those related to women’s rights), damaged campus furniture, and attempted to hang a banner that read, “Reject feminism, embrace femininity.”

The police and members of the dean’s team removed the individuals from campus later that evening.

On March 26, 2026, the police investigation revealed that the perpetrators were affiliated with Falange, a Spanish fascist political movement. Authorities arrested thirteen individuals for public disorder and property damage.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about violent and destructive attacks on campus. 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, and university authorities must take reasonable measures to ensure safe conditions for living, learning, and expression for students. In addition to the harm to the immediate victims, such actions undermine academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
https://elpais.com/espana/madrid/2026-03-26/detenidos-13-violentos-relacionados-con-la-falange-que-quisieron-reventar-el-8-m-en-la-complutense.html
https://www.lavanguardia.com/local/madrid/20260309/11484853/30-encapuchados-ultraderecha-asaltan-edificios-complutense.html
https://www.elmundo.es/madrid/2026/03/08/69ad5e35e9cf4a5c068b4570.html