Lucía Vicente and two other former political prisoners are calling for the former Yeserías prison in Madrid to become a site of memory [1].

This movement seeks to ensure that the experiences of antifascist women imprisoned during the Franco regime are not erased from Spanish history. By designating the site as a "Lugar de Memoria," advocates aim to preserve the identity of those who resisted the dictatorship.

The demand was made by three former prisoners: Lucía Vicente, Charo Arcas, and Inma Pardo [1]. The site in question is located at number 8 Calle Juan de Vera in Madrid [1]. The facility now serves as the Centro de Inserción Social Victoria Kent [1].

Vicente said the location has personal and historical significance. She said the site represents identity and is essential for the community to recognize the struggle of the women held there.

"Es identidad," Vicente said [2].

The activists argue that the physical space of the former prison is necessary to anchor the historical narrative of the antifascist movement. Without a dedicated memorial site, they suggest the specific hardships and contributions of women during the regime could be forgotten.

"Necesitamos que se convierta en un lugar de memoria," Vicente said [1].

The request for the designation comes as part of a broader effort to recognize the systemic imprisonment of political dissidents in Spain. The group believes that transforming the current social insertion center into a memorial would provide a permanent educational resource for future generations.

“"Es identidad."”

The push to convert the Yeserías prison into a site of memory reflects the ongoing tension in Spain regarding the legacy of the Franco regime. By focusing on the specific experiences of women, the activists are challenging the traditional, often male-centric, historical record of antifascist resistance. The transition of the site from a place of punishment to a social insertion center, and potentially to a memorial, mirrors Spain's broader societal transition toward democratic memory and reconciliation.