Reuters. Protesters in Madrid on Thursday (October 8) mourned the death of Maricarmen Abascal, the 87-year-old Spanish woman whose dramatic eviction last month sparked mass housing protests that led to an early election.
Flowers, candles and signs commemorating Abascal were placed near the apartment building she lived in for over 70 years, as well as at the large protest encampment on the city's central Puerta del Sol square.
The Madrid tenants' union on Wednesday (October 7) announced the news of Abascal's passing, which prompted thousands to demonstrate over her death.
Abascal had been in hospital for severe anxiety and exhaustion since her eviction on September 23, when police and social workers removed her by stretcher.
Her case ignited protests over a mounting housing crisis including a shortage of homes and surging rents.
Following news of Abascal's death on Wednesday, thousands marched fromPuerta del Sol towards parliament, chanting: "This is not a death. It's a murder!"
A cause of death was not announced.
