The social climate has heated up in Torre Pacheco, Murcia, where tensions caused by far-right groups and neo-Nazis persist, and those groups, through social media, have spurred alarming actions against neighbors of migrant origin. These actions have motivated various civil society organizations and anti-racist collectives to organize protests in different localities, including Madrid.
One of the most significant demonstrations will take place this Thursday, July 17, in Callao Square, where, under the motto "Stop racism/fascism. Neither in Torre Pacheco nor anywhere," more than 70 organizations, including the Federation of Journalists' Unions (FeSP) and the Madrid Journalists' Union (SPM), will raise their voices against racial discrimination. Joining these are entities such as Amnesty International Madrid, Doctors of the World, and Ecologists in Action.
The organizers have issued a manifesto titled "In Defense of Democracy, It's Time to End Organized Hate Groups," highlighting their rejection of the instrumentalization of certain political parties and public figures who promote polarization through hate speech. We are not going to stand idly by in the face of xenophobic and racist calls to violence, they declare.
Particularly alarming has been the use of an assault in Torre Pacheco to justify racial attacks against the Maghrebi community. The organizers emphasize that these groups seek any pretext to expand their hatred toward various minorities and progressive sectors of society.
The second protest in Madrid will be held on Saturday, July 19 at Puerta del Sol, under the slogan "Against racist terrorism, anti-racist community." Collectives like SOS Racismo Madrid and Queering All emphasize the importance of community unity in the face of these challenges, stating that “taking care of ourselves is resisting. Defending ourselves is living.”
Organizations urge authorities and the public to act with resolve, underscoring the need for decisive measures from institutions to curb the spread of hatred. They have made a special appeal to the Ministry of the Interior and to the Ministry of Justice so that they respond to this threat and guarantee the safety of all citizens.
The actions in Madrid are part of a broader effort to eradicate racism and xenophobia across the country, promoting solidarity and welcoming in neighborhoods, towns and cities.
Fuente: SPM – Sindicato Periodísticas de Madrid
