“Ever heard of a magazine that faced a bomb attack?” Right here, a plaque marks a dark chapter in Barcelona’s history. It’s a tribute to the satirical weekly El Papus. El Papus was more than just a magazine. It was a symbol of freedom of expression during Spain’s transition to democracy.
El Papus first hit newsstands in October 1973. It quickly became known for its anarchist stance and graphic humor. Its pages were filled with political satire. El Papus dared to challenge the status quo. The magazine gained immense popularity. In 1976, El Papus sold over 300000 copies.
But its bold content made El Papus a target. The magazine faced bans and warnings. In December 1973, authorities issued the first official warning. Later, El Papus was convicted for publishing improper material. The magazine was even warned about erotic images.
The most tragic incident occurred on September 20, 1977. The Alianza Apostólica Anticomunista, a fascist group, attacked El Papus’s office. They sent a letter bomb to El Papus in Barcelona. The bomb killed the building’s concierge Juan Peñalver. Seventeen other people suffered injuries.
The attack shook the magazine. Some contributors left El Papus. Despite the tragedy, El Papus continued publishing until 1987. El Papus stood for freedom of speech.
The plaque we see commemorates this attack on El Papus. It reminds us of the cost of freedom. It honors those who worked at El Papus. They faced threats and violence for their beliefs. The city council installed this plaque in 2017. This marked the 40th anniversary of the attack on El Papus.
The events surrounding El Papus remain controversial. The courts never recognized the attack as terrorism. The death of Juan Peñalver was classified as a workplace accident. No one was ever convicted for the bombing of El Papus.
The plaque serves as a reminder. It stands for the importance of freedom of expression. It also shows the dangers faced by those who dare to challenge power. As you stand here, remember El Papus. Remember the fight for freedom of speech.