Hundreds of anti-migrant protesters rallied outside Morocco's embassy in Madrid on Friday evening, denouncing what they termed a migrant 'invasion' of Spain's north African enclave of Ceuta. The protest, which saw several participants performing Nazi salutes, comes amid local authorities' reports of around 60,000 migrants entering Ceuta recently, though the Spanish government asserts that nearly all have returned to Morocco.
Protesters' Demands and Actions
Protesters chanted slogans such as 'Spain, Christian and not Muslim!' and 'National unity!', many dressed in black. A prominent banner reading 'Remigration'—a term advocated by far-right groups for the return of migrants—was displayed. Demonstrators also waved Spain's national flag and called for the preservation of 'Spanish identity'.
Government and Police Response
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government, known for its relatively open migration policies, faced criticism from the protesters, who accused him of'selling' Spain to Muslims and exacerbating the crisis. A significant police presence, including a helicopter and a surveillance drone, was deployed around the embassy to maintain order.
