Online Posts Promote Coordinated Gatherings

Newtral.es has identified fresh calls for gatherings under the 'Blocus' name, set for Saturday 31 October, in cities including Madrid, Algeciras and San Pedro de Alcántara in Málaga. The alerts, shared via TikTok, Telegram and WhatsApp, echo a previous event linked to unrest in Barcelona on Saturday 24 October. According to analysis by Newtral.es and journalist Lara Montoto, the posts encourage participants to meet at central locations such as Plaza de España and Puerta del Sol in Madrid, and Plaza de Cataluña in Barcelona. No single time has been confirmed; proposed meeting times range from 17:00 to 20:00.

Rules and Attire Emphasised

The organisers have circulated guidelines urging respect among participants, forbidding dangerous objects and instructing against causing human or material damage. Materials such as speakers and flags are recommended. Given the date coincides with Halloween, attendees are encouraged to wear costumes such as ghosts, clowns or mobsters. However, all posts stress one requirement: participants must wear hoods to conceal their faces.

"The requirement for whatever they wear is that they always go hooded, to avoid being recognised by their faces,"

, Fran López Galán, La Sexta Barcelona

Recruitment via Social Media

  • Recruitment began between 18 and 19 October through anonymous TikTok profiles
  • Profiles use imagery of barricades and protests, mimicking the French student movement Blocus
  • Links redirect users to private WhatsApp and Telegram groups for further instructions
  • Some TikTok accounts posted dozens of promotional videos in under 48 hours

Newtral.es identified around 20 such profiles, many newly created and with few followers, though some posts reached tens of thousands of views. The Madrid and Barcelona WhatsApp groups each reportedly have around 700 members.

Authorities Monitoring Situation

The Mossos d'Esquadra are investigating the online platform 'Blocus' following its alleged role in inciting violent protest in Barcelona. While the 31 October events have not yet materialised, police and local authorities in Madrid, Cádiz and Málaga are aware of the circulating messages. No official response or public safety directive has been issued as of Sunday evening, but law enforcement agencies are monitoring social media channels for further developments.

Sources: La Sexta Barcelona, newtral.es.