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The Popular Party will use its absolute majority in the Senate to approve this Wednesday a bill that amends the Penal Code and allows the interruption of utilities in an illegally occupied dwelling not to be considered a crime of coercion. Although the text will pass this first stage thanks to the PP’s support, it will later be sent to the Congress of Deputies to begin its parliamentary process.
The initiative proposes adding a new paragraph to Article 172.1 of the Penal Code —which regulates coercion related to illegal occupations— to make it explicit that cutting electricity, water or gas in a squatted house cannot be interpreted as a crime. With this wording, the conservatives seek to provide legal clarity to property owners affected by occupation.
The PP bases its proposal on a judicial precedent from the Provincial Court of Barcelona, which ruled that owners may cut off utilities without it being considered coercion. According to the bill's explanatory memorandum, this judicial decision represents an important benchmark in the fight against illegal occupation by recognising this measure as legitimate.
Nevertheless, the party argues that it is necessary to amend the Penal Code to unify criteria and ensure that this interpretation can be applied legally throughout Spain. Its goal is to avoid legal ambiguities and provide explicit legal protection to owners facing cases of occupation.