Spain: Anti-immigrant protests erupt after Muslim migrants assault 68-year-old man

Image: Jihad Watch

A wave of violence swept through the town of Torre Pacheco in south-eastern Spain for a second consecutive night, leaving several people injured in what officials have described as anti-migrant unrest. The escalation of tensions follows a disturbing incident in which a 68-year-old Spanish man was allegedly assaulted by three individuals reportedly of North African descent.

Despite a heightened police presence deployed in anticipation of further turmoil, groups of individuals wielding batons were seen patrolling the streets in search of people perceived to be of foreign origin, according to the local publication La Opinión de Murcia. The regional government has so far withheld an official injury count but confirmed that at least one person has been taken into custody in connection with the violence.

The situation began spiraling after the elderly victim publicly recounted the assault, claiming he was attacked without provocation on Wednesday. The incident, which was reportedly captured on video and circulated across social media platforms, rapidly ignited anger among some local residents. What began as a peaceful demonstration organized by the town hall on Friday quickly turned volatile, as far-right demonstrators hijacked the event, chanting inflammatory slogans targeting migrants.

Adding fuel to the fire, a far-right group named Deport Them Now shared a provocative message on social media inciting violence against individuals of North African origin. The post drew widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the growing influence of extremist rhetoric in the region.

In response to the growing unrest, Spanish authorities issued a public appeal for calm on Sunday, urging the town’s approximately 36,000 residents to reject violence and preserve public order. Fernando López Miras, the conservative president of the Murcia regional government, posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the local community’s anger but firmly rejecting violence as a response. “Torre Pacheco must get back to normal. I understand the frustration but nothing justifies violence,” he stated.

Echoing similar sentiments, the town's mayor, Pedro Ángel Roca Ternel, addressed the public on RTVE, Spain’s national broadcaster. “I call on residents to be calm, for tranquillity,” he said, appealing for peace amid rising social tensions.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, as the town remains on edge. The incident has sparked a broader national conversation about the integration of migrants, the spread of xenophobia, and the responsibilities of local and regional leaders in maintaining social harmony.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)