The Hassan II Foundation for Moroccans Living Abroad has sharply condemned what it describes as the «unworthy actions of Spain», denouncing a «disastrous» surge in racist incidents that «have no place in a democratic society». In a statement issued Tuesday, August 12, the foundation expressed its «deepest concern» over the growing normalization of such acts and reaffirmed its commitment to «protect and defend the rights and interests» of Moroccans abroad. In recent weeks, Spain has seen an increasingly tense identity debate, fueled by local measures and far-right rhetoric hostile to migration. The foundation noted that, «in less than a month, the Moroccan community in Spain has been subjected to serious incidents: the burning of a mosque in Piera, a 'hunt for Moors' in Torre Pacheco, hate speech on social media, the suspension of the Arabic language and cultural heritage program by the autonomous community of Madrid and other municipalities, and restrictions on Muslim worship in Jumilla». It recalled that as early as 2010, during an academic meeting in Seville, it had warned about «the rise of xenophobic and Islamophobic discourse on social networks». At that time, this rhetoric was considered an import from abroad, but «it is now, unfortunately, homegrown and reflects a growing hostility toward Moroccans and foreigners», the statement said. Still, the foundation acknowledged «the genuine commitment of the Spanish people to the values of freedom, equality, dignity, respect, and coexistence», and praised «the quality of the welcome Spain offers to foreigners». It paid tribute to the authorities, political parties, civil society organizations, and media outlets that have reacted firmly and with dignity to these incidents. In closing, the foundation commended «the courage, maturity, and civility» of Moroccans who have been targeted, offering them «full solidarity» along with continued «support and assistance in defending their rights and interests».
