Latest news with #MounirBenjellounAndaloussiAzhari
Spectator
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Spectator
Why Spain's anti-Islam turn is worrying
'Spain is and will be forever the land of Christian people'. These are not, as you might think, the words of a marauding conquistador, but of a spokesperson for Spain's right wing Vox party. They were posted on X this week, in response to a ban on Muslim religious celebrations in the southeastern town of Jumilla. It is the first prohibition of its kind in Spain. It was proposed by Jumilla's Conservative administration and passed with Vox's (surprising) abstention. It bans the use of municipal facilities such as sports halls for 'religious, cultural or social activities alien to our identity unless organised by the local authority'. This senseless legislation means that the 7.5 per cent of Jumilla's 27,000 citizens who come from Muslim countries will no longer be able to publicly celebrate Islam's two main festivals – Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan in March, and Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, held in early June. Jumilla's ban is a knee-jerk reaction to anti-migrant riots in Torre-Pacheco, a town 70 miles to the south, in which approximately 18 per cent of the 35,000 residents are of African origin. On 9 July, a local pensioner was allegedly beaten up by three Moroccan men, prompting two nights of violent protests. Locals armed with baseball bats reportedly took to the streets, responding to calls on social media by right wing groups to target North African migrants. A kebab shop was vandalised and 14 people were arrested. Reacting to the riots in Torre-Pacheco and Jumilla's ban on Muslim celebrations, Mounir Benjelloun Andaloussi Azhari, president of the Spanish Federation of Islamic Organisations, said he was 'rather surprised by what's happening in Spain. For the first time in 30 years I feel afraid'. Azhari accused Jumilla's government of 'going after' Muslims and called the ban 'Islamophobic and discriminatory'. The prohibition deserves condemnation – and rapid repeal – for several reasons. First, it is almost certainly unconstitutional. According to Article 16 of the Spanish Constitution, 'freedom of ideology, religion and worship of individuals and communities is guaranteed, with no other restriction on their expression than may be necessary to maintain public order'. The same section also states that 'no religion [in Spain] shall have a state character' and that 'public authorities shall take into account the religious beliefs of Spanish society'. Although 56.1 per cent of Spaniards identify as Catholic, Catholicism is not Spain's official religion. Spain has no state religion; rather, it is committed to the protection of religious plurality. Secondly, the prohibition panders to the violent racism seen on the streets of Torre-Pacheco. Instead of sending a message of solidarity to Spanish Muslims after those disturbing events, Jumilla's administration has chosen to make them feel even more unwelcome. This would be deplorable in any democracy; but it is especially sad to see in a country whose history is defined by centuries of harmonious co-existence between Jews, Christians and Muslims. Which brings us to the third and most serious criticism of Jumilla's ban – that it relies on an indefensible notion of national identity. As Juana Guardiola, a former Socialist mayor of Jumilla, has rightly asked, 'What do they mean by identity? And what about the centuries of Muslim legacy here?' Guardiola refers to a period of Spanish history that lasted from the early-eighth to late fifteenth centuries. For almost eight hundred years, Al Andaluz, as Islamic Spain was known, thrived under Muslim rule. In the tenth and eleventh centuries, administered by the powerful Caliphate of Cordoba, it was the intellectual capital of the West – a centre of pioneering advances in medicine, philosophy and science. Jews, Christians and Muslims collaborated to make Al Andaluz the most dynamic and progressive country in medieval Europe. The legacy of this remarkable era is visible all over Spain, especially in the southern region of Andalusia – from Granada's Arabic markets and Alhambra fortress, to Cordoba's Mezquita-Catedral, a medieval Mosque with a Renaissance Catholic nave at its centre. Jumilla itself, as Yumil-la, was under Islamic rule from the early 700s until the mid 1200s, when Christian forces seized control (to anyone wanting to know more about this fascinating period, I highly recommend Maria Rosa Menocal's Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain). The baying thugs who roamed the streets of Torre-Pacheco last month are not representative of Spain's modern identity; nor is the local government that wants to keep Muslims behind closed doors. Spain is, and will forever be, a land of many religions, defined by its rich Islamic, Jewish and Christian heritages. Anything else is disinformation.
The Irish Sun
07-08-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Spanish town bans Muslim religious festivals deemed ‘alien to identity' in ‘first of its kind' ruling
It comes after several people were injured during anti-migrant riots in the region FESTIVAL ROW Spanish town bans Muslim religious festivals deemed 'alien to identity' in 'first of its kind' ruling A SPANISH town has banned Muslims from using public facilities to celebrate religious Eid festivals deemed "alien" to their identity. The ban was passed in Jumilla, in Murica, which has reportedly become the first town in the country to implement the rule. 2 A Spanish town has become the first of its kind to ban Muslims from using public facilities to celebrate Eid festivals Credit: Alamy 2 The ban was passed in Jumilla, in Murica (stock) Credit: Alamy The town's proposal states 'municipal sports facilities cannot be used for religious, cultural or social activities alien to our identity unless organised by the local authority'. The move prevents Muslims in Jumilla from gathering in public gyms or civic buildings to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. It also bars Muslims from gathering to celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Islamic festival of sacrifice. Jumilla has a population of around 27,000, and roughly 7.5 per cent of the residents come from predominantly Muslim countries. READ MORE WORLD NEWS RIOT CARNAGE Girl 'whose sex assault by teens' sparked 'racist' riots wants chaos to end In response to the ban, the Spanish Government said it would investigate Jumilla City Council's decision. The Ministry of Inclusion and Migration announced that they would "closely monitor" any hate speech which may stem from the new move. Experts said the motion could face a legal challenge, as Article 16 of Spain's constitution grants freedom of religious belief - the only exception to this being the protection of public order. The motion was proposed by Spain's conservative People's Party (PP), and it was backed by the hard right Vox party. It comes less than a month after several people were injured during anti-migrant rioting in Torre Pacheco, just 70 miles from Jumilla. The riots came after a 68-year-old pensioner told media he was beaten up in the street by three Moroccan men. 'BRICKS THROWN' Riots hit NI AGAIN as 'petrol bombs & bricks thrown at cops' & water cannon used after homes burned in 'racist thuggery' The new ban has been blasted by critics, with some saying the law's wording is an attack on Islamic traditions. President of the Spanish Federation of Islamic Organisations Mounir Benjelloun Andaloussi Azhari said the ban was a direct attack on the country's Muslim population. He branded the move "Islamophobic and discriminatory". "They're not going after other religions, they're going after ours," the president told local media. Referring to the recent rise of racist rhetoric and attacks, He added that the recent rise of racist rhetoric and attacks had made him "afraid". "We're rather surprised by what's happening in Spain. For the first time in 30 years I feel afraid," he explained. Meanwhile, the local Vox party celebrated the decision. They said on X: "Thanks to Vox the first measure to ban Islamic festivals in Spain's public spaces has been passed. "Spain is and will be forever the land of Christian people." The socialist leader in Murcia Francisco Lucas said: "The PP violates the constitution and puts social cohesion as risk simply in the pursuit of power." Jumilla was once part of the Roman Empire before falling under Arab rule in the eigth century, when it became known as Yumil-la. It stayed mainly Arab for centuries until Christian forces led by Alfonso X of Castile took control in the mid 13th century. The local Arab ruler reached an agreement, known as the capitulations of Alcatraz, which stated that Alfonso could be king as long as the existing population kept their rights. But shortly after Alfonso's death Castile invaded Jumilla and ended Arab rule.
Scottish Sun
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Spanish town bans Muslim religious festivals deemed ‘alien to identity' in ‘first of its kind' ruling
It comes after several people were injured during anti-migrant riots in the region FESTIVAL ROW Spanish town bans Muslim religious festivals deemed 'alien to identity' in 'first of its kind' ruling Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SPANISH town has banned Muslims from using public facilities to celebrate religious Eid festivals deemed "alien" to their identity. The ban was passed in Jumilla, in Murica, which has reportedly become the first town in the country to implement the rule. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A Spanish town has become the first of its kind to ban Muslims from using public facilities to celebrate Eid festivals Credit: Alamy 2 The ban was passed in Jumilla, in Murica (stock) Credit: Alamy The town's proposal states 'municipal sports facilities cannot be used for religious, cultural or social activities alien to our identity unless organised by the local authority'. The move prevents Muslims in Jumilla from gathering in public gyms or civic buildings to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. It also bars Muslims from gathering to celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Islamic festival of sacrifice. Jumilla has a population of around 27,000, and roughly 7.5 per cent of the residents come from predominantly Muslim countries. READ MORE WORLD NEWS RIOT CARNAGE Girl 'whose sex assault by teens' sparked 'racist' riots wants chaos to end In response to the ban, the Spanish Government said it would investigate Jumilla City Council's decision. The Ministry of Inclusion and Migration announced that they would "closely monitor" any hate speech which may stem from the new move. Experts said the motion could face a legal challenge, as Article 16 of Spain's constitution grants freedom of religious belief - the only exception to this being the protection of public order. The motion was proposed by Spain's conservative People's Party (PP), and it was backed by the hard right Vox party. It comes less than a month after several people were injured during anti-migrant rioting in Torre Pacheco, just 70 miles from Jumilla. The riots came after a 68-year-old pensioner told media he was beaten up in the street by three Moroccan men. 'BRICKS THROWN' Riots hit NI AGAIN as 'petrol bombs & bricks thrown at cops' & water cannon used after homes burned in 'racist thuggery' The new ban has been blasted by critics, with some saying the law's wording is an attack on Islamic traditions. President of the Spanish Federation of Islamic Organisations Mounir Benjelloun Andaloussi Azhari said the ban was a direct attack on the country's Muslim population. He branded the move "Islamophobic and discriminatory". "They're not going after other religions, they're going after ours," the president told local media. Referring to the recent rise of racist rhetoric and attacks, He added that the recent rise of racist rhetoric and attacks had made him "afraid". "We're rather surprised by what's happening in Spain. For the first time in 30 years I feel afraid," he explained. Meanwhile, the local Vox party celebrated the decision. They said on X: "Thanks to Vox the first measure to ban Islamic festivals in Spain's public spaces has been passed. "Spain is and will be forever the land of Christian people." The socialist leader in Murcia Francisco Lucas said: "The PP violates the constitution and puts social cohesion as risk simply in the pursuit of power." Jumilla was once part of the Roman Empire before falling under Arab rule in the eigth century, when it became known as Yumil-la. It stayed mainly Arab for centuries until Christian forces led by Alfonso X of Castile took control in the mid 13th century. The local Arab ruler reached an agreement, known as the capitulations of Alcatraz, which stated that Alfonso could be king as long as the existing population kept their rights. But shortly after Alfonso's death Castile invaded Jumilla and ended Arab rule.
Time of India
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Activities alien to our identity': Spanish town bans Muslim festivities in public spaces; sparks outrage
Representative AI image A town in south-east Spain known as Jumilla in the Murcia region has imposed a ban on Muslims using public spaces, including civic centres and gyms, for celebrating religious festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, reports the Guardian. The ban, the first of its kind in Spain, was introduced by the conservative People's Party (PP) and approved with the abstention of the far-right Vox party, despite opposition from local left-wing groups. Jumilla, a town with a population of around 27,000, has approximately 7.5 percent of its residents originating from predominantly Muslim countries. 'Municipal sports facilities cannot be used for religious, cultural or social activities alien to our identity unless organised by the local authority,' the proposal stated. 'Thanks to Vox, the first measure to ban Islamic festivals in Spain's public spaces has been passed. Spain is and will be forever the land of Christian people,' the Vox party stated through a post on X. 'They're not going after other religions, they're going after ours,' Mounir Benjelloun Andaloussi Azhari, president of the Spanish federation of Islamic organisations, was quoted as saying by the El País newspaper. 'We're rather surprised by what's happening in Spain. For the first time in 30 years I feel afraid,' he added, noting that the proposal was 'Islamophobic and discriminatory.' Opposition leaders and legal experts have raised concerns that the decision may be unconstitutional. 'The PP violates the constitution and puts social cohesion as risk simply in the pursuit of power,' said Francisco Lucas, the socialist leader in Murcia, through a post on X. 'What do they mean by identity? And what about the centuries of Muslim legacy here?' said Juana Guardiola, a former socialist mayor from Jumilla, reports the Guardian. The decision to ban Muslims in Jumilla from using public facilities is likely to face legal challenges, as it appears to violate Article 16 of the Spanish constitution. This article guarantees 'freedom of ideology, religion and worship of individuals and communities is guaranteed, with no other restriction on their expression than may be necessary to maintain public order as protected by law.' The town was once part of the Roman Empire before coming under arab rule in the eighth century. Known as Yumil-la during that time, it remained predominantly Arab for several centuries until Christian forces led by Alfonso X of Castile seized Jumilla in the mid-13th century, reports the Guardian. The local Arab ruler initially negotiated the capitulations of Alcatraz, an agreement that allowed Alfonso to be the king on the condition that the rights of the existing population were upheld. However, soon after Alfonso's death, Castilian forces invaded Jumilla, bringing an end to Arab rule in the region.
Indian Express
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Spanish town bans Muslim festivals in public spaces
A local council in Jumilla, a town in the Murcia region of south-east Spain, has passed a measure banning Muslim religious festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha from being celebrated in public facilities like civic centres and sports halls, as per reports from The Guardian. The motion was introduced by the conservative People's Party (PP) and approved with the abstention of the far-right Vox party, while left-wing parties opposed it. The ruling states that municipal sports and public facilities 'cannot be used for religious, cultural or social activities alien to our identity unless organised by the local authority.' Jumilla, a town of around 27,000 people, has a Muslim population of approximately 7.5%, many from North African countries. The local branch of Vox celebrated the decision on social media, stating on X, 'Thanks to Vox the first measure to ban Islamic festivals in Spain's public spaces has been passed. Spain is and will be forever the land of Christian people.' Mounir Benjelloun Andaloussi Azhari, president of the Spanish Federation of Islamic Organisations, called the ban 'Islamophobic and discriminatory' in an interview with El País. 'They're not going after other religions, they're going after ours,' he said according to The Guardian. 'For the first time in 30 years, I feel afraid,' he added. Legal experts and opposition leaders have flagged the move as potentially unconstitutional. Spain's Article 16 guarantees freedom of religion, ideology, and worship, stating that no restriction may be imposed unless necessary to maintain public order. Francisco Lucas, the regional Socialist Party leader in Murcia, criticized the decision on X. 'The PP violates the constitution and puts social cohesion at risk simply in the pursuit of power.' Juana Guardiola, a former Socialist mayor of Jumilla, questioned the vague reference to 'identity' in the motion. 'What do they mean by identity? And what about the centuries of Muslim legacy here?' Historically, the town of Jumilla was part of the Roman empire before falling under Arab control in the eighth century, remaining primarily Arab until Christian forces led by Alfonso X of Castile seized it in the 13th century. Initially, a treaty known as the Capitulations of Alcatraz allowed coexistence, but Arab rule ended soon after Alfonso's death when Castile took full control of the area. (With inputs from The Guardian)
