Spain: Rally in Piera Denounces Islamophobia after Arson Attack on Local Mosque

Spain: Rally in Piera Denounces Islamophobia after Arson Attack on Local Mosque
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Over 400 people marched through the streets of Piera, a town near Barcelona, on July 18 to condemn rising Islamophobia following an arson attack on a local mosque, Iqna.ir reported. The fire, which occurred in the early hours of July 12, severely damaged the nearly completed mosque funded by the town’s Islamic community. The mosque, with a capacity of 150, was set to open soon, but its interior was completely destroyed.

The demonstration began at Gall Mullat park and proceeded to the mosque, where community representatives and civil society groups denounced the fire and broader issues such as hate speech and Islamophobia. Protesters chanted slogans promoting inclusion, including “We are neighbors, we are diverse,” and “Yes to the mosque, no to hate.”

Piera’s mayor, Carme Gonzàlez, and Catalan interior minister Núria Parlon both indicated that the attack was likely intentional. In response, over €60,000 has been raised for reconstruction. The Socialist bloc in the town council plans to introduce a motion condemning the attack and advocating for equal protection of all places of worship.