Spanish Pensioner Whose Eviction Sparked Protests Dies

An elderly woman whose eviction became a flashpoint for Spain's housing crisis and triggered early elections has died, according to a tenants' union.

Maricarmen Abascal, 87, was forcibly removed on a stretcher from her apartment of more than 70 years in September after she was unable to afford rent increases. She was admitted to a hospital following the eviction.

"We regret to announce that Maricarmen passed away today," the Madrid Tenants' Union said in a statement. The union added that her situation marked "a turning point in the history of this country."