‘Spanish Charlie Kirk’ event sparks Antifa riots (VIDEOS)

Left-wing protesters rioted in Bilbao, Spain after mobilizing against a planned appearance by right-wing political commentator Vito Quiles near a local Catholic university.

Quiles, often compared by Spanish media to US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed last year, was scheduled to speak near the University of Deusto at 7:00 PM on Monday as part of a nationwide tour ahead of the November 29 general election.

According to El Pais, several self-described ‘antifascist’ groups announced plans to protest against Quiles, who they accuse of spreading “hate speech.”

The university suspended all activities after police warned of possible “incidents.” Quiles canceled the talk, describing the protesters as “former ETA members, street thugs, and other criminals,” referring to the now-defunct Basque separatist organization.

Nevertheless, a crowd of young people, some masked and dressed in black, gathered in a square near the university, set garbage containers on fire, and launched fireworks at police. Several parked cars and a police motorcycle were torched.

Police arrested 19 people on suspicion of arson and public disorder.

The clashes in Bilbao followed unrest elsewhere in Spain this month, including housing protests in Madrid, demonstrations against the right-wing Vox party in A Coruna and Aviles, and riots in Barcelona. France and Italy have also seen violent protests over the rising cost of living, with clashes in Paris, Marseille, Milan, and Turin.