A total of 22 members of the anti-climate and anti-meat group Futuro Vegetal were detained by the National Police on charges of belonging to a criminal organization and damaging public and private property valued at half a million euros. This environmental collective is known for direct actions to spotlight the climate crisis the planet faces. Its spokesperson has shared his perspective on the unfolding events.
Futuro Vegetal argues that describing them with terms like moral and legal barbarism and labeling the group as a criminal organization is unfounded. He pledged to continue their actions so long as the government withdraws support for the meat industry and redirects funding toward climate-friendly alternatives.
The spokesperson spoke to Europa Press, outlining that arrests occurred in the first two weeks of December 2023. He said detainees aged between 20 and 60 were held for two to three hours as a form of pressure from authorities.
Action against a luxury yacht in the port of Palma de Mallorca Futuro Vegetal
Our aim is not to commit a crime
He argued that labeling established protest groups as criminal entities is unethical and legally questionable. Futuro Vegetal denies any intent to engage in wrongdoing and emphasizes protest through lawful means, explaining that steps are taken to avoid illegal acts.
We do not kidnap anyone or demand money. Our goal is to push for measures against the climate emergency, the spokesman asserted, noting that the actions are designed to be non-destructive. For instance, washable paint has been used to mark buildings or artworks, while care was taken not to damage Goya’s Las Majas in the Prado Museum. The group questions how the half a million euro damage figure was calculated.
The party’s spokesperson questions the half-a-million euro figure
We are simply protesting, drawing attention, and questioning what we believe to be criminal networks. We also question subsidies that support large corporations and their impact on local living conditions, Bassaterra added.
Effective protests
The spokesman described what he sees as persecution of the group for protests that have been effective. They are challenging people with substantial resources, he said, arguing that the movement holds the potential to influence national policy.
Protest by activists from Futuro Vegetal
Group leaders say they intend to maintain their style of activism. Bassaterra thanked supporters from other environmental organizations and some politicians, while criticizing the central government for not engaging with their message.
No message from the authorities reached them, and they do not want to hear more about it. It is striking that a government claiming to care about the environment has a ministry in this area. Spain, a major meat producer in Europe, faces a climate approach that leans toward exporting renewable energy while potentially risking biodiversity and rural livelihoods rather than investing in local energy solutions.
Membership growth and public support
In response to the arrests, Bassaterra welcomed increased public awareness of their activities. He noted that more people are attending meetings, though some joined out of fear. The organization reportedly grew to nearly 300 members, up from about a hundred at the time of the Prado action.
The number of participants at meetings has tripled since the arrests
Donations exceeding 140,000 euros were directed to the group. The spokesman insisted Futuro Vegetal has always operated transparently, explaining that funds sustain ongoing activities and meet basic needs for those who commit to the cause full-time without relying on paid coordinators.
He contrasted this with other civil disobedience groups in Spain that maintain hierarchical structures and salaries, asking why such arrangements are not described as criminal organizations. We do not understand why we are labeled in that way while groups like Greenpeace or Femen are not, he asked.
Bassaterra concluded that Futuro Vegetal will continue its work until the government takes meaningful climate action, specifically urging a redirection of subsidies away from the meat industry toward climate-friendly alternatives. The group intends to operate despite police infiltrations and accusations, defending their right to protest as a legitimate political activity.