Elham Asaad Buaras
A suspected arson attack destroyed a nearly completed mosque in Piera, Catalonia, just days before its scheduled inauguration, amid a wider surge in anti-Muslim incidents across Spain. The blaze, which occurred in the early hours of July 12, has been confirmed by Catalan police (Mossos d’Esquadra) as a deliberate act of arson, after traces of accelerant were found at the scene. Authorities are treating the incident as a hate crime. This latest attack follows a similar suspected arson incident in May targeting a government facility for unaccompanied minors in Piera, prompting growing concern over a pattern of xenophobic and Islamophobic violence in the region.
The town of 17,500 residents, including approximately 1,700 foreign nationals, has responded with remarkable solidarity. A fundraising campaign to rebuild the Ar-Rahman Mosque has surpassed €62,000, approaching its €100,000 goal. On July 18, more than 1,000 residents took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration against hate, carrying banners reading “Mezquita sí, odio no” (“Yes to the mosque, no to hate”) and “El racismo no se combate en silencio” (“Racism is not fought in silence”).
Local political leaders and faith communities have strongly condemned the attack. Piera’s Mayor, Carme González Anjaumà, praised the town’s diversity and reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence. She also confirmed that a formal institutional motion is being prepared to defend religious freedom and denounce Islamophobia. She urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, warning that some political factions may seek to exploit the tragedy for divisive purposes. The Catalan Interior Minister, Núria Parlon, visited the town and condemned the arson, stating that if the fire’s intentional nature is confirmed—which investigators now believe—it qualifies as a hate crime under Catalan law.
Christian leaders also expressed firm solidarity. The bishop of Sant Feliu de Llobregat not only condemned the arson but also offered church resources to support the Muslim community, reinforcing the commitment to interfaith unity. The Parish of Santa Maria de Piera and the local diocesan church also issued public declarations of support. Despite strong local and regional response, no national government figures—including Spain’s Prime Minister or cabinet members—have issued public statements. Advocacy groups have called on the central government to take a firmer stance on Islamophobia and hate-motivated violence.
As of this writing, no arrests have been made. Police continue to review forensic evidence and CCTV footage, but no public appeal for witnesses has been launched, and no suspect descriptions have been shared.
Amid this tense climate, far-right protests erupted in Torre Pacheco, Murcia, following an alleged altercation involving Moroccan youths. Protesters chanted anti-Muslim slogans, prompting widespread condemnation from civil rights and Muslim advocacy groups. The Federation of Islamic Religious Entities in Spain (FEERI) condemned the protests and the mosque attack, calling on authorities at all levels to bolster protection for places of worship and to address the growing tide of hate speech. “An attack on any house of worship is an attack on the dignity of an entire community,” the group said.
FEERI concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to democracy, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. “We will not respond to hate with hate,” the organisation said, encouraging all communities to unite in pursuit of justice and inclusion.
Photo: The nearly completed Ar-Rahman Mosque in Piera, Catalonia, severely damaged by a suspected arson attack on July 12, days before its scheduled inauguration. (Credit: Shiawaves.com/CC)
