The problem of squatting is also present in the Basque Country, even if in some cases justice is done. A couple was ordered to pay 58,000 euros for emptying and destroying the house in Alava from which they were expelled, according to ‘El Correo’.
The events occurred in 2021, but at that time it only appeared that it was a large family with four dependent minors. Parents lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic and suffered the consequences of the crisis. All this led them to live for several months as squatters in a chalet located in a town of Alava, since stopped paying rent to his landlord.
The media echoed his story. They had the opportunity to tell their situation in front of the cameras, assuring them that they were going to be evicted from the house where they lived. Thanks to this, They managed to delay its launch by three months.
However, the report prepared by the Court of Instruction number 2 of Vitoria and the Prosecutor’s Office of Alava shows a very different reality. This indicates that the two adults They emptied the property and caused a multitude of damage.
More than 110 items stolen
The inventory carried out by the Court of Instruction number 2 of Vitoria and the Prosecutor’s Office of Alava shows that The squatter couple stole more than 110 items from the house. Some of them were valued at more than 50,000 euros.
They took all types of furniture and appliances. A microwave, a dishwasher, a cupboard, several shelves, cutlery, several tables and chairs, beds… They left nothing.
But it doesn’t stop there. Squatters caused a lot of damage on walls, floors, in electrical installations, etc. The financial cost to repair all this damage amounts to almost 9,000 euros.
Squatters avoid prison but must pay 58,000 euros
‘El Correo’ specifies that the family of the owner of the chalet and an insurer initially demanded a sentence of 34 months in prison each and a fine of 3,600 euros, in addition to compensation of 67,647 euros.
Finally, after reaching an agreement, heThe squatters were sentenced to 18 months in prisonbut without admission to prison. As for money, fine of 2,880 euros and compensation of 58,836 euros at a rate of 100 euros per month.
The squatters’ reaction to the sentence
The two squatters admitted the facts preview. However, the man said he was not satisfied. The woman accepted the sentence, but these are her words: “I have no choice”.
