Else Beekman
Torre Pacheco in the Murcia region continues to grapple with rising tensions and sporadic violence. The cause of this was the brutal assault of a 68-year-old local resident last Wednesday. Although the latest night was calmer, authorities remain on high alert amid fears of further far-right provocations and retaliatory clashes.
Since Friday evening, the town of 36,000 inhabitants, around 30% of whom are migrants, has witnessed multiple nights of disturbances. Far-right groups, reportedly mobilised via social media, have used the assault as a pretext to intimidate Moroccan residents. Extremist messages circulating on Telegram called for a “hunt for migrants”, fuelling fear among the community.
Dozens of arrests and reinforced security
The Guardia Civil has now detained 13 individuals in connection with the unrest. Three suspects were directly linked to the assault on the elderly man, who is still recovering from his injuries. One of these suspects was arrested in Rentería, Gipuzkoa, as he attempted to travel towards the French border.
The remaining arrests relate to hate crimes, public disorder, and violent incidents, including the vandalism of a kebab restaurant and confrontations with police officers.
On Sunday night, masked men stormed a business in the San Antonio district, damaging property. In subsequent clashes, five people were injured, and eight arrests were made. Over the following days, additional detentions brought the total to 13. Authorities have also intercepted more than 20 vehicles carrying potentially dangerous objects, believed to be linked to extremist groups heading to Torre Pacheco.
Heightened police presence across the town
To keep further violence at bay, officials have greatly increased the security presence. Ninety Guardia Civil officers, with reinforcements of at least 45 more, were deployed across the town, supported by drones and checkpoints. The area around the Antonio Martínez ‘El Vinatero’ roundabout has become a focal point for police operations.
Calls for calm from community leaders
Amid the tense atmosphere, respected community figures and religious leaders have stepped forward to call for calm, using their influence to encourage a peaceful response. On Monday evening, local imams met with dozens of young Moroccan residents, urging them to avoid confrontation and return home peacefully. “We want peace and for the authorities to do their work,” a spokesperson said. “We are tired of those who come to our town to cause violence.”
The Mayor of Torre Pacheco, Pedro Ángel Roca Ternel, called on residents not to judge the entire migrant population by the actions of a few individuals. “Most migrants are here to work and contribute to our community,” he stated. Spain’s Minister of Youth also condemned the “racist persecution” witnessed in recent days.
Disinformation worsens tensions
Meanwhile, the Spanish government and fact-checkers of Newtral have warned against the spread of disinformation. Viral videos purporting to show the assault were proven unrelated, and a supposed municipal statement blaming migrants was entirely fabricated. Officials have stressed the importance of relying on verified sources to avoid further inflaming tensions.
Ongoing monitoring and community anxiety
With the town still on edge, both the Guardia Civil and the National Police are monitoring social media channels for incitement to violence. The authorities have pledged to prosecute those responsible for organising or participating in hate crimes and violent acts.
In the words of one local resident, “Everyone is tense. We don’t know what will happen next.”
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