Leaders of the Moroccan community in Torre Pacheco, Spain, have appealed for peace following four nights of violent clashes between North African migrants and far-right groups—one of the most serious episodes of unrest in recent times.
Police have arrested at least 14 people in connection with the violence, which erupted on Friday after a local man in his 60s was assaulted last week. Authorities said three Moroccan nationals were suspected of involvement in the attack, including a 19-year-old believed to be the main perpetrator. He was arrested on Monday evening in northern Spain on assault and battery charges. Officials confirmed that none of the suspects lived in Torre Pacheco.
In response to the incident, far-right groups have announced plans for anti-migrant protests on Tuesday. Over 120 Civil Guard officers have been deployed to maintain order, according to a spokesperson for the Murcia regional government.
The unrest intensified over the weekend and into Monday, as dozens of young people clashed with police and far-right demonstrators. Following xenophobic messages circulating on social media encouraging people to “hunt down” North African residents, Moroccan community leaders urged restraint and advised younger members to stay indoors.
“We want peace… We don’t want criminals, we don’t want violence or people who come from outside to make trouble here,” said Abdelali, an informal spokesperson for the Moroccan community who has lived in Torre Pacheco for 25 years.
Police detained three more individuals overnight during confrontations in the San Antonio neighbourhood, where a large number of first- and second-generation migrants reside. According to local government data, migrants make up nearly one-third of the town’s 40,000 residents.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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