Users of the Àgora Juan Andrés Benítez, located in the Raval neighborhood, are working intensely to prevent the eviction scheduled for May 14. This will be the second time the property attempts to reclaim the plot, following a failed attempt in 2018. A group of residents occupied the space on October 5, 2014, coinciding with the anniversary of the death of Juan Andrés Benítez, a neighborhood resident.
“"We are willing to fight until the last second to preserve the use of the space."
Since its occupation, the Àgora has been managed by neighborhood entities, which provide the space for assemblies, meetings, and other activities to groups from both Raval and other areas. To defend the plot, various actions have been organized, including a signature collection, a poster campaign, and a demonstration.
Located on Aurora Street at the corner of Riereta Street, the Àgora has become an oasis in Raval, functioning as a garden, relaxation area, and play space for children. Its managers consider it an example of the neighborhood's ability to create community projects without budgets or subsidies, demonstrating "neighborhood pride" in the face of stigmatization.
The space is open to everyone, and its maintenance is carried out communally. Supporters of the Àgora emphasize that, in its 12 years of existence, all problems have been resolved through internal dialogue, avoiding conflicts with neighbors.
“"We have gone to the ombudsman and then to the political level, obviously, because we are very aware that this has to be stopped at the political level. A judicial demand in the execution phase, unless the demanding company withdraws the demand, which is not probable, cannot be stopped in any way."
The plot is owned by Sareb, the asset management company created by the central government to absorb toxic real estate assets from banks during the 2008 crisis. Faced with the eviction order, the space's managers have requested support from political parties and institutions. The Àgora Juan Andrés Benítez, in addition to being a reference point, is a memorial to Juan Andrés Benítez, a member of Barcelona's LGTBI+ community, who died in police custody in 2013, a case that resulted in the conviction of the officers for involuntary manslaughter.
The space is open from Monday to Friday, from five to nine in the evening, and hosts various activities on weekends. Since its occupation 12 years ago, more than 400 collectives have used it. A demonstration has been called for May 12, and if there are no changes, users plan to camp on the plot to prevent the eviction.
