Spanish authorities carried Maricarmen Abascal from her apartment on a stretcher Thursday following four separate attempts to remove her from the property. Abascal, 87, was given one hour to pack her belongings before being forced out by the developer Urbagestión. The company had raised the rent of the lifelong residence from €500 to between €1,650 and €2,650 per month, which exceeded Abascal's monthly disability pension of €1,350.

The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights had urged the Spanish government to halt the eviction and secure housing for Abascal, who had lived in the home for 71 years. Around 500 demonstrators, including actors Carlos Bardem and Ana Belén, gathered to block the removal as part of a broader housing crisis in Spain. Riot police used pepper spray, tear gas, and batons to clear the crowd, while protesters demanded the return of the keys or the resignation of local officials.