Violent clashes between right -wing extremists and migrants in Spain

Violent clashes between right -wing extremists and migrants in Spain

in Torre-Pacheco, a city in southeastern Spain, violent arguments between extremist groups, residents and North African migrants occurred late Saturday. The trigger was an attack on an older man by unknown attackers in the previous week.

serious unrest and injured

According to local officials, five people were injured during the unrest and one was arrested. This represents one of the worst incidents of this kind in recent decades. On Sunday it was quieter in the city, but government sources reported that further arrests could be expected.

videos show violence between groups

videos published on social media documented how men in clothing with extremist symbols and migrants who wore Moroccan flags threw objects against each other. This violence followed several days with tensions and lower intensity of unrest.

causes of the tensions

The tensions between the residents and the migrants increased after the older man was attacked on the street on Wednesday. He suffered injuries from which he has now recovered at home. The reasons for the attack are unclear, and so far nobody has been arrested.

examination of the incident

The government in the region, represented by Mariola Guevara, confirmed on Spanish television that the attack was examined. She also condemned the “hate speech” and the “impact on violence”, while extremist groups gathered in the city. In addition, measures were taken to send additional Guardia Civil officers to contain violence.

demographic aspects of Torre-Pacheco

According to local government data, almost a third of the population of Torre-Pacheco has a foreign background. The area around the city in the Murcia area also houses many migrants who work as day laborers in agriculture, one of the cornerstones of the regional economy.

political setbacks in the region

Less than two weeks ago, the Murcia government had to withdraw from a proposal to buy living space for unaccompanied minor migrants. This happened after the ruling conservative People's Party (PP) came under pressure from the extremist VOX party, whose support it needs to adopt laws.

past violent protests

In 2000, violent, anti-migrant protests occurred in the Andalusian city of El Ejido after three Spanish citizens were killed by Moroccan migrants. These events illustrate the continuing tensions and conflicts caused by migration in Spain.