Serigne Mbaye

Serigne Mbaye, a former deputy in the Madrid Assembly for Podemos and an anti-racism activist of Senegalese origin (now a Spanish citizen), has recently been arrested in Madrid. The arrest occurred following an altercation with National Police in the Usera district, resulting in injuries to five officers and the detention of Mbaye and six others. Police allege Mbaye resisted identification and assaulted officers. He faces charges including assault against authority, resistance, and causing injuries. Podemos has denounced the arrest as a "racist raid," demanding Mbaye's release and accusing the government of being responsible. Mbaye himself fears for his safety. Community members and neighbors have criticized the police's handling of the situation, alleging excessive force and racial bias. Police unions, however, defend the officers' actions as legitimate and necessary for crime prevention, rejecting claims of racism and asserting Mbaye was violent. The incident has sparked controversy and debate about racial profiling and police conduct in Spain.