Spanish pensioner whose eviction sparked nationwide protests dies aged 87 | BBC News

A BBC News report announces the death of Maricarmen Abascal, 87, according to Madrid's tenants union. Abascal was forcibly removed on a stretcher from her apartment of more than 70 years on 23 September after she could not afford steep rent increases. Her eviction sparked nationwide protests over Spain's housing crisis. The company that owned the flat later offered her a return at a lower rate, but she could not sign the agreement because she had been admitted to hospital. The tenants union said her situation marked "a turning point in the history of this country".

• Maricarmen Abascal, 87, was evicted from her long-time home on 23 September
• Her eviction sparked nationwide protests over Spain's housing crisis
• The owner later offered a lower rent, but she was hospitalised and could not sign
• Madrid Tenants' Union announced her death

An elderly woman whose eviction sparked nationwide protests over Spain's housing crisis and a political row that triggered early elections has died, according to Madrid's tenants union. Maricarmen Abascal, 87, was forcibly removed on a stretcher from her apartment of more than 70 years on 23 September after she was unable to afford steep rent increases. The company that owned the flat later offered to allow her to return at a lower rate - but she was unable to sign an agreement as she had been admitted to hospital. Announcing her death, Madrid Tenants' Union said Abascal's situation marked "a turning point in the history of this country". Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #MaricarmenAbascal #Spain #Eviction #BBCNews