The San Antonio neighborhood in Torre Pacheco (Murcia) during the riots on Tuesday night. Photo: Pablo Miranzo/EFE.
Spanish authorities have arrested a man in Barcelona accused of inciting violent attacks against Maghrebi migrants in the town of Torre Pacheco, Murcia.
The suspect is reportedly a leader of the far-right group Deport Them Now Europe, which used social media to call for a “hunt” following an assault involving three North African youths.
The unrest began after a 68-year-old man was attacked by individuals who did not reside in the town. Although the suspects were quickly detained, the incident was exploited by extremist groups to mobilize organized violence against the broader migrant community.
Over 14 people have been arrested and more than 120 identified, many of whom traveled from other regions to participate in the riots. Police seized weapons and deployed over 100 officers to maintain order.
The group Deport Them Now, based in Barcelona, has previously collaborated with the far-right party Vox and maintains ties with European neo-fascist movements such as Chega (Portugal), Lega (Italy), and AfD (Germany).
Authorities say the group promoted the formation of “neighborhood patrols,” a euphemism for armed mobs, and issued threats against the town’s 7,000 Maghrebi residents. Telegram shut down the group’s Spanish channel for inciting violence.
Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría warned that such hateful violence could spread to other regions. Meanwhile, Vox leader Santiago Abascal blamed the government for insecurity and reiterated his call to deport migrants who “fail to adapt,” including legal residents.
Spain’s top hate crimes prosecutor, Miguel Ángel Aguilar, confirmed that his office is investigating both the clashes and the online incitement. Regional prosecutors are also reviewing statements by Vox’s Murcia leader, accused of linking immigration to criminality.
(teleSUR)
