Outrage and Discontent Following Spanish Municipality's Decision to Ban Muslim Celebrations in Public Places

The decision by the Jumilla City Council in the Murcia region of southeastern Spain has sparked a wave of outrage and criticism after it approved the ban on holding Islamic religious celebrations, including the prayers for the blessed Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, in public facilities and spaces belonging to the municipality.

This decision, which is the first of its kind at the local level in Spain, was initiated by the conservative People's Party (PP) and indirectly supported by the far-right party "Vox," which abstained from voting but endorsed the content. It stipulates that public facilities are exclusively allocated for activities organized by the local council, which human rights organizations consider a direct targeting of the Muslim community, which represents about 7.5% of the town's population (1,500 Muslims out of 27,000 residents).

Members of the community expressed their deep dissatisfaction, pointing out that these facilities were essential for organizing their religious and social events and maintaining their cultural ties. Human rights organizations also deemed the decision a violation of the Spanish Constitution, which guarantees freedom of belief and religious practice.

Leftist parties and the Socialist Workers' Party described the move as "exclusionary and shameful," while the Vox party considered it a political victory, stating that Islamic celebrations are "alien customs" to Spanish identity. In contrast, leaders of the Muslim community emphasized that the decision represents explicit discrimination and a systematic attempt to marginalize Muslims.