Ceutians stand up to Alvise, Vito Quiles and Nucleo Nacional: "You are using this to sow hatred"

A group of citizens in Ceuta confronted leaders of far-right groups Alvise Pérez and Vito Quiles during their visit to a local bar ahead of a planned demonstration. The confrontation took place on Saturday before the scheduled rally organized by Se Acabó la Fiesta, which was set to begin at 8 p.m. in the Plaza de los Reyes. The same location had previously been designated for another gathering by the neo-Nazi group Núcleo Nacional, against which the citizens expressed opposition. The demonstrators, who were present in the area, shouted at Alvise Pérez, who was escorted by national police and accompanied by Vito Quiles. They called out slogans such as “perseguís a los débiles” and “aprovecháis la situación para sembrar odio, eso es lo que sois, odio,” while others chanted “yo soy español, español” and “no te equivoques, yo estoy en mi país.” These chants reflected both a sense of identity and a rejection of divisive rhetoric. Other residents in the vicinity criticized the presence of Alvise and Quiles during a period marked by heightened tensions related to migration. Some voiced concerns over how they perceived the political figures exploiting the situation for ideological purposes. One citizen reportedly stated, “Estamos sufriendo y vosotros os aprovecháis de la situación,” highlighting the community’s frustration with what they saw as opportunistic behavior. Another individual present at the scene responded more forcefully, declaring, “Si sois islamófobos aquí en Ceuta, a la puta calle. No os queremos aquí. Sin violencia, ¿eh? No vamos a empujar. Estoy haciendo uso de mi libertad de expresión, igual que ustedes. Y yo con mi libertad de expresión le digo que se vaya usted con su puto racismo a la puta mierda.” This statement underscored the emotional intensity of the moment and the deep-seated anger among some residents toward what they viewed as racist and inflammatory speech. The incident unfolded amid ongoing discussions around immigration policies and the role of far-right movements in shaping public discourse. Ceuta, a Spanish territory located in North Africa, has long been a focal point for debates regarding border control and the treatment of migrants. The city's unique status as a shared space between Spain and Morocco adds complexity to these conversations, particularly when it comes to issues of identity and belonging. The confrontation highlights broader societal divisions, with some residents expressing solidarity with migrant communities and rejecting xenophobic narratives. At the same time, other individuals have defended the right to free expression, even when it involves controversial or provocative statements. This tension reflects the challenges faced by communities navigating polarized political environments. As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are likely to monitor developments closely, especially given the potential for further unrest. The involvement of law enforcement underscores the sensitivity of the issue and the need for balanced approaches to managing public demonstrations. Meanwhile, the voices of ordinary citizens remain central to understanding the evolving dynamics in Ceuta.