Spanish far-right activists use Nazi-style salutes at anti-migrant protests

Dozens of far-right activists raised their arms in a gesture associated with Nazi movements and sang a Spanish fascist anthem during anti-migrant protests in central Madrid. The demonstration took place amid wider rallies over the government’s handling of migration.

“

Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta will defend itself.

Between 60 and 70 members of Núcleo Nacional, an ultra-nationalist anti-immigrant group, took part in the Madrid event, a group spokesperson told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. The broader demonstrations were called by Spain’s conservative People’s Party and the far-right Vox party and attracted about 50,000 people, according to government estimates.

The protests followed an influx of migrants from Morocco into Ceuta, the Spanish territory in North Africa. They were organized for Ceuta Day, which commemorates Portugal’s 15th-century conquest of the territory from the Marinid Sultanate of Morocco and the beginning of Portuguese and later Spanish rule.

“

Iberian or Roman salute

Videos showed Núcleo Nacional activists making an outstretched-arm gesture and chanting, “Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta will defend itself.” They also sang “Cara al Sol,” a 1935 fascist anthem that became associated with Francisco Franco’s regime. The group denied that its gesture had a Nazi connection. Its spokesperson described it as an “Iberian or Roman salute” that “represents our ancestors.”

“

It represents our ancestors.

The demonstration ended in clashes with police. Local authorities said four people were arrested and four officers injured. Protesters were also filmed grabbing, pushing and swearing at journalists. Madrid government delegate Francisco Martín Aguirre condemned the violence, saying, “Violence is never the way, and those who daily incite it are also responsible.”

“

Violence is never the way, and those who daily incite it are also responsible.