The Spanish town of Torre Pacheco experienced a second consecutive night of anti-migrant unrest, resulting in several injuries and at least one arrest, authorities reported on Tuesday.
This renewed violence comes after a 68-year-old pensioner claimed he was assaulted by three youths of North African origin last Wednesday.
Despite a significant police presence, groups wielding batons reportedly patrolled the streets targeting individuals of foreign origin, according to local media.
While the regional government did not specify the number of injured, they confirmed one arrest related to the violence.
The unrest escalated following a Friday demonstration, organised by the town hall to be peaceful, which was infiltrated by far-right elements shouting anti-migrant slogans.
A group identifying as “Deport Them Now” also incited attacks against people of North African origin via social media.
Spanish authorities issued an appeal for calm in the town of approximately 36,000 residents.
Fernando López Miras, head of the Murcian regional government, urged a return to normalcy on social media, stating, “I understand the frustration, but nothing justifies violence.”
Torre Pacheco’s mayor, Pedro Ángel Roca Ternel, also called for calm.
Spain’s Youth Minister, Sira Rego, condemned the violence against migrants, attributing it to the influence of the “ultra-right.”
