Spain’s Interior Ministry is sending reinforcements to Murcia amid fears of a fresh wave of violence starting from tonight.
It comes after it emerged that so-called ‘hunts’ of North African immigrants by far-right agitators had been planned for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week.
READ MORE: Far-right thugs storm kebab shop in Murcia during anti-migrant riots
It follows four nights of violence, which began last Friday, in the small town of Torre Pacheco – sparked by the brutal assault of 68-year-old pensioner Domingo two days prior.
The three Moroccan men accused of carrying out the assault have all been arrested, while a judge investigates whether the attack was racially motivated.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed on Monday that more than 100 riot police from the Guardia Civil are working in ‘perfect coordination with the Local Police.’
A further 45 anti-riot agents are expected to be mobilised on Tuesday, as the town braces itself for more violence due to calls on social media (since Friday) from extremist groups to come to Torre Pacheco on July 15, 16 and 17.
The Interior Ministry said ongoing monitoring of social media is being carried out to identify and arrest individuals and groups who are encouraging and promoting hate speech and crimes.
Authorities have vowed that anti-riot police will remain in the area for ‘as long as necessary.’
It comes after the Guardia Civil identified more than 20 vehicles ferrying far-right agitators trying to enter the urban centre of Torre Pacheco on Sunday.
Interior Minister Marlaska blamed the violence on far-right rhetoric ‘endorsed by the right,’ which equates immigration with crime ‘without any evidence to support it.’
Specifically, he pointed the finger at Vox’s speeches and the words of the party’s leader, Santiago Abascal, who this weekend claimed immigration ‘has robbed us of peace and prosperity.’
‘These are very simple statements that unfortunately resonate because they seek to stir emotions in the audience,’ Marlaska said.
Abascal denied any responsibility for the incidents in Torre Pacheco, but warned in a press conference that his party ‘will not take a step back’ in its policy against illegal immigration.
He also accused Marlaska of being behind the ‘rapes of Spanish women, the stabbings, and the violence.’
Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X: ‘Racism is incompatible with democracy. We must raise our voices, act firmly, and defend the values that unite us. Spain is a country of rights, not hate.’
Read more Spain news at the Spanish Eye.
