Spain Bans Muslim Religious Gatherings in Jumilla
In June 2025, the far-right Vox party proposed banning Muslim religious celebrations from public sports facilities in Jumilla, a town of 27,000 in Spain's Murcia region home to approximately 1,500 Muslims. After anti-migrant riots swept nearby Torre-Pacheco in July, the Jumilla city council approved the motion on July 28 — the first ban of its kind in Spain. The Spanish government called it 'shameful' and ordered it revoked; the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia expressed shock; Spain's Catholic bishops denounced it; and CAIR called it unconstitutional. While a Murcia court declined to temporarily suspend the motion in November 2025, ruling it was only a political instruction, the constitutional challenge remains pending and Vox has threatened to block Jumilla's budget until the ban is formally implemented.
Timeline
November 20, 2025
Court Refuses to Suspend Motion; Vox Threatens Budget Blockade
A Murcia court rejects the Spanish government's request to temporarily suspend the motion, ruling it is merely a political instruction that has not yet changed regulations — meaning Muslims can still use the facilities. Vox announces it will block all municipal budget negotiations until the PP mayor formally implements the ban.
SourceAugust 13, 2025
Spanish Ombudsman Opens Investigation into Jumilla Ban
Spain's Ombudsman Angel Gabilondo launches an inquiry into the council's decision, asking officials to clarify how they plan to ensure religious groups can continue public worship. Separately, Vox leader Santiago Abascal attacks Spain's Catholic bishops for defending Muslim religious freedom, accusing them of 'weakness.'
SourceAugust 11, 2025
Spanish Government Orders Jumilla to Revoke the Ban
Territorial Policy Minister Angel Victor Torres formally instructs Jumilla to cancel the ban, giving the town council until September 11 to either revoke the decision or explain why it would not. The government argues the ban violates Article 16 of the Spanish Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.
SourceAugust 8, 2025
Spanish Government Slams Ban as 'Islamophobic' and 'Shameful'
Spain's Migration Minister Elma Saiz publicly calls the ban 'shameful' and urges Jumilla's leaders to apologize. UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia Miguel Moratinos says he is 'shocked,' calling it a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Vox leader Santiago Abascal defends the ban, declaring 'Spain is not Al-Andalus.'
SourceAugust 7, 2025
Spanish Bishops and CAIR Condemn the Jumilla Ban
Spain's Catholic bishops issue a statement denouncing the ban, affirming that religious freedom is protected by the Spanish Constitution. CAIR calls on Jumilla to remove the ban, with executive director Nihad Awad calling it 'shameful and unconstitutional.' Mohamed El Ghaidouni of the Union of Islamic Communities of Spain calls it 'institutionalised Islamophobia.'
SourceJuly 28, 2025
Jumilla City Council Approves Ban on Muslim Gatherings
The Jumilla city council votes to approve an amended version of the Vox motion, with PP votes in favor, Vox abstaining, and PSOE and IU-Podem voting against. The approved text prohibits municipal sports facilities from being used for 'cultural, social or religious activities foreign to the City Council,' effectively banning Muslim Eid celebrations. It is the first prohibition of its kind in Spain.
SourceJuly 13, 2025
Anti-Migrant Riots Erupt in Torre-Pacheco
Five days of anti-migrant violence erupted in Torre-Pacheco, with far-right groups vandalizing migrant-owned businesses and intimidating residents. At least 14 people were arrested and approximately 300 investigated. Spain's Interior Minister blamed Vox for inciting the violence. The Murcia Prosecutor launched an investigation into Vox's regional leader for alleged incitement to hatred.
SourceJuly 10, 2025
Elderly Man Attacked in Torre-Pacheco, Murcia
A 68-year-old man is beaten during his morning walk in Torre-Pacheco by three men of North African origin. The incident is weaponized by far-right groups with disinformation, including a fake video from Mexico, to incite anti-migrant sentiment across the Murcia region.
SourceJune 6, 2025
Vox Proposes Motion to Ban Islamic Events in Jumilla
Vox's sole councilor in Jumilla formally proposes a motion calling for a ban on the 'Feast of the Lamb and other similar commemorations alien to our traditions' in municipal sports facilities. The motion targets the local Muslim community of approximately 1,500 people who have used the town's sports pavilion for years to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
SourceQuick Stats