Spanish Climate Activists Arrested After Sagrada Familia Protest Over Forest Fires

Two climate activists from the Futuro Vegetal group threw red and black colored powder on Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Familia basilica to protest the Spanish government's handling of the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the Iberian Peninsula this summer. The activists accused the government of complicity, citing that approximately 70% of the fires are linked to livestock farming, yet public funds continue to subsidize these industries instead of supporting firefighters and affected communities. The demonstration is part of a coordinated effort linked to the notorious UK-based Just Stop Oil group, known for disruptive environmental protests. Spanish authorities arrested the two women, who were later released after paying a fine. Spain has faced one of its worst wildfire seasons in decades, with the government acknowledging the crisis as an environmental catastrophe and a climate emergency, and receiving firefighting support from other European countries. The protests highlight growing frustration with government climate policies amid a Europe-wide wave of extreme heat and wildfires.