Melilla President Juan José Imbroda has called for local coexistence after tensions erupted in the autonomous city during protests against Israel’s attacks on Gaza. “I have the greatest respect for all the residents of Melilla, no matter what religion they profess. We are all a united people, we are all residents of Melilla and we are all Spaniards,” he demanded in a voice message broadcast through the official account of the Government of Melilla on the social network X (formerly Twitter). Imbroda recalled the “exemplary coexistence” of the autonomous city’s various cultures and called for this not to be affected by “external conflicts”.
Several hundred people demonstrated in central Melilla on Wednesday evening to show their support for Palestine. During the rally called by Stop Evictions, a manifesto was read and a march began through the autonomous city with pro-Palestinian flags and proclamations such as “Israel, murderer” and “Freedom for the Muslim people.” There were some moments of tension during the route, such as the burning of an Israeli flag or in front of the entrance to a synagogue, as the newspaper El Faro de Melilla reported. Several National Police officers were deployed in the area to avoid any incidents.
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Shortly afterwards, President Imbroda made it his mission to remind the people of Melilla that they are an example of coexistence. “Melilla stands out, among other things, for being an example of coexistence, respect, solidarity, peace and freedom between the different cultures that compose it. We were an example for the whole world and said and showed that it is possible to live in peace and also close to the great cultures, the great monotheistic religions: Christianity, Islamic religion, Judaism and the others. “We showed the world that it is possible to live in peace,” he recalled in his message, accompanied by an institutional image of the president of the autonomous city.
🗣️ @imbrodamelilla: “Melilla has always been an example of coexistence, respect and solidarity between the different cultures that make it up. Maximum respect for all Melilla residents, regardless of their religion.” pic.twitter.com/RnYKuLSZ39
— Government of Melilla (@GobiernoMelilla) October 18, 2023
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In his speech, which lasts less than two minutes, the President of Melilla calls for the peace achieved by the people of Melilla to continue to exist even in contexts such as the current one. “That foreign conflicts, no matter how painful they may be, do not affect this exemplary coexistence that we residents of Melilla have,” demanded Imbroda. “We have to work hard every day to create a better world,” he added.
Imbroda also wants Israel and Palestine to achieve a “just and lasting” peace. “[Porque] To be lasting, peace must be fair,” he added. “But don’t let this show you a different path than the one we have always taken,” he urged again.