Far-Right Calls for Violence Against Migrants in Ceuta
In recent days, the far-right in Spain has incited violence against migrants in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. This Northern African city has witnessed a surge of migrants arriving, creating a tumultuous atmosphere reminiscent of a pogrom. On Thursday evening, violent protests erupted, with local residents and neo-Nazis clashing in an alarming display of hostility. Dozens of individuals stormed a temporary migrant camp, setting tents and personal belongings ablaze. Prior to this chaos, police had evacuated the migrants from the camp to prevent direct confrontations with the demonstrators, highlighting the precarious situation faced by those seeking refuge.
The Spanish Red Cross had attempted to distribute food to the refugees, but a furious crowd thwarted these humanitarian efforts. Reports indicate that several migrants were injured during the upheaval, with one individual suffering a head injury and others requiring assistance to be carried away from the scene.
Irene Montero, a member of the Podemos party, took to social media platform X to denounce the situation, stating that far-right extremists from across Spain are converging on Ceuta, armed with sticks to 'hunt' migrants while the police stand idly by. She condemned the government for exposing migrants to violence and effectively granting impunity to racists, underscoring the dangerous message being sent: 'Migrants are not human beings, and far-right extremism is acceptable.'
Ongoing Crisis and Government Inaction
Approximately one month after thousands, including many children, attempted to reach Ceuta from Morocco, over a thousand migrants remain stranded there, living on the streets with minimal support. Both Spain and the European Union have neglected the situation to such an extent that all parties involved appear overwhelmed. The organization Acción contra el odio (ACO), or Initiative Against Hate, has filed a complaint against Vox politician José María Figaredo for inciting violence against underage migrants during a television broadcast. ACO warns that such rhetoric could provoke further hate and violence, exacerbating the already hostile environment towards migrants.
Former leader of the United Left, Alberto Garzón, painted a dire picture of the situation during an interview with La Sexta, emphasizing the heightened vulnerability and sense of loss of control felt among the residents of Ceuta. He pointed out that the populace feels exposed, as Morocco could easily disrupt their daily lives at any moment. Simultaneously, there is a prevailing impression that the government has failed to respond adequately to the crisis.
Amid increasing pressure, the Spanish government faces demands from the right-wing opposition to promptly deport refugees back to Morocco without asylum proceedings. Former Prime Minister José María Aznar, representing the conservative PP, visited Ceuta to harshly criticize the government, stating that national sovereignty does not take holidays. Enric Juliana, a former editor of the Catalan daily La Vanguardia, remarked that it is becoming increasingly evident that the situation in Ceuta could cost Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez his position. He noted that the current circumstances are the most likely scenario for political upheaval, especially as Sánchez has been on vacation throughout a month of crises in Spain.
As reported by jungewelt.de.
