Spanish Muslim Federation Condemns Mosque Attack, Hate Rhetoric
In a statement, FEERI expressed “deep dismay” over recent attacks targeting the Muslim community in Spain, describing them as “serious threats to social cohesion and the rule of law.”
The condemnation follows a suspected arson attack on a newly built mosque in the town of Piera, located in the province of Barcelona. The fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning, shortly after 3 a.m., destroying the mosque—just days before its planned official opening.
According to local reports, the blaze quickly engulfed the worship space despite efforts by firefighters, rendering the building unusable.
Catalonia’s three main Muslim organizations—UCIDCAT, FCIC, and FIC—jointly denounced the incident as a “cowardly attack” and suggested the act was premeditated, calling it an effort to “fracture social cohesion” in the town. “These acts aim to damage the spirit of understanding that has long defined Piera,” they said.
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Piera, a municipality of around 17,500 residents—1,700 of whom are foreign nationals—has recently seen other acts of suspected hate-related violence. In late May, an overnight fire partially damaged a state-run center for unaccompanied minors in the same town. Authorities have not ruled out a link between the two incidents.
The mosque attack comes amid heightened tensions in Torre Pacheco, in the Murcia region, where far-right demonstrators staged protests following a violent assault allegedly committed by Moroccan youths. Demonstrators reportedly chanted anti-Muslim slogans, prompting further concern among Muslim advocacy groups.
FEERI condemned the protests and called on local, regional, and national governments to increase protections around places of worship and to push back against hate speech. “An attack on a place of worship is also an attack on the dignity of an entire community,” the group stated.
The mayor of Piera, Carme González Anjaumà, also urged calm and expressed full support for the town’s Muslim community, which she described as “well-integrated.” She emphasized that Piera remains a “space for social cohesion” and asked the public to await the outcome of the ongoing police investigation.
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Other groups echoed the call for unity. The local Christian community, including the Diocesan Church and the Parish of Santa Maria de Piera, issued a statement condemning the violence and expressing “solidarity and closeness” with their Muslim neighbors.
Activist group Unitat Contra el Feixisme i el Racisme (UCFR) labeled the incident “an Islamophobic act” and “an attack on religious freedom,” arguing it stemmed from “a narrative that normalizes fear, rejection, and hatred of Muslims.” The group called for “a thorough and swift investigation.”
FEERI concluded its statement by reiterating its commitment to democratic principles and dialogue: “We will not respond to hate with hate,” it said, while encouraging all communities to stand together for justice and inclusion.
Source: Agencies
