The small town of Torre Pacheco in southern Spain has experienced significant unrest resulting in 14 arrests, as anti-migrant tensions boil over after an alleged attack on a 68-year-old man. The local populace has reacted violently, leading to increased police presence.
Unrest Erupts in Southern Spain Amid Anti-Migrant Riots
Unrest Erupts in Southern Spain Amid Anti-Migrant Riots
Fourteen arrests made following violent clashes in Torre Pacheco sparked by an attack on a local pensioner.
The town of Torre Pacheco, known for its substantial immigrant population, has been the epicenter of unrest following an attack on a local pensioner that has inflamed tensions against migrants. Fourteen individuals have been arrested as violence broke out in the town of 40,000, with three alleged assailants, all young men of North African descent, detained in connection with the attack.
The trouble began last Wednesday when a video circulated online, allegedly depicting the assault on 68-year-old Domingo Tomás Domínguez, who said he was attacked during his morning walk. Police have clarified that the video was not related to the attack, but social media outrage quickly led to escalating calls for violent retribution.
On Friday, groups armed with makeshift weapons were seen patrolling the streets, fueled by far-right groups such as "Deport Them Now," who incited further violence against North Africans. Social media platforms have also been flooded with messages inciting renewed assaults on immigrants.
Among the individuals arrested for the attack on Mr. Domínguez are three Moroccan men in their early 20s, who are reportedly not residents of Torre Pacheco. In a twist, one suspect was apprehended while attempting to leave for France from the Basque region.
The unrest peaked during the weekend, with reports of hooded youths vandalizing property, attacking vehicles, and engaging in clashes with law enforcement. Journalists observed small groups throwing objects at the police, while security footage captured a mob vandalizing a local kebab shop.
In a bid to quell the situation, local religious leaders and authorities have called for peace, urging residents – especially those of migrant backgrounds – to remain indoors and avoid confrontation. The mayor of Torre Pacheco, Pedro Ángel Roca, highlighted the contributions of immigrants to the local agricultural economy and expressed concern for their welfare as tensions escalated.
Extreme-right elements have exploited the situation, using platforms like Telegram to organize anti-immigrant mobilizations, prompting new investigations into hate crimes. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has pointed to rising anti-immigration rhetoric from political factions like Vox, who have deflected responsibility while blaming established political parties for the chaos.
In a statement addressing the unrest, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for unity and a refusal to succumb to hate, emphasizing Spain's values rooted in rights and acceptance rather than division. As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the impact of rising intolerance and fears for safety amidst escalating violence.
