Surge in Racist Attacks Against Moroccans Sparks Protests in Murcia, Spain

Racist and xenophobic attacks on Moroccans in particular have multiplied in the Murcia region. The case of Younes Bilal, the young Moroccan, victim of a racist murder in June, has led to a series of anti-racism demonstrations organized by various associations defending the rights of victims of racist attacks, including Stop Racism and Live Without Racism.

To read: Moroccan Community Protests Racist Killing in Southern Spain

"Racism has existed for a long time, but racist attacks have increased in these times of crisis," laments Maria, who has lived in Spain for more than 14 years. "I always have to prove that I’m not a prostitute, a drug dealer," she says. Moustapha, a migrant from Murcia, feels that racism follows him everywhere. "Even at the police station, I was mistreated and had to report them," he confides. According to him, the situation of migrants has worsened in the region "because of the xenophobic speeches and hate messages spread by the far-right party Vox."

Marie also believes that racism begins with the education of the youngest. "We see how parents tell their children not to get together with this or that child," she observes.

To read: Surge in Anti-Moroccan Hate Crimes Sparks Protests in Murcia, Spain

Racist attacks also affect religion. Khadijatu, a resident of Las Torres, condemns these acts. "I am Muslim. The Catholic and the Muslim believe in God. But each has his own way of praying. Every person must have the freedom and the possibility to gather in a place to be able to connect with God," she explains. "I have seen with my own eyes a dead pig at the door of the mosque and with racist tags on the facade," Moustapha recalls. "Catholics have churches, Muslims want a mosque to pray, not to kill people or make noise," he added.