A 20-year-old man is in very serious condition after suffering a violent assault by about ten youths near Santa Catalina Park, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The victim sustained multiple blows, particularly to the head, leaving him unconscious and bleeding. The swift intervention of the Local Police, alerted by the victim's girlfriend, prevented a worse outcome. Four individuals, three of North African origin and one Spaniard, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Following this event, the spokesperson for the area's merchants, Diego Mayorga, has described the situation as unsustainable, stating that violence is a constant rather than an isolated case. "This is an everyday occurrence," he declared on 'Herrera en COPE Gran Canaria'.
“"Until someone is killed, or as they used to say, until the river runs with blood, nothing will be done"
Mayorga, with 14 years of experience in the area, explains how the situation has drastically worsened in recent years, reaching a "climax" two years ago. He believes the Local Police are "overwhelmed" due to a lack of personnel and resources, despite their efforts. "We basically send them out to fight with nothing, without the necessary tools," he lamented.
“"They laugh at us"
The merchants' spokesperson denounces that the violent groups, "all repeat offenders," act with impunity, feeling "mocked" by the authorities. The insecurity has led to a decline in nighttime commerce, with parts of the park becoming "Comanche territory" due to poor lighting and areas that facilitate criminals' hiding.
