Instituto Bolívar de Estrategia y Diálogo
Pensamiento Estratégico, Diálogo Global

Madrid Government Blocks Neo-Nazi Protest at Migrant Youth Center

May 30, 2025, 09:19

The Madrid Government has issued a decisive prohibition against a demonstration planned by the neo-Nazi group Núcleo Nacional, which aimed to take place outside a migrant youth shelter in the city. This move is driven by the imperative to protect both public safety and the fundamental rights of the minors residing in the shelter. The authorities emphasize the need to shield these vulnerable children from the hostility and hate propagated by extremist groups.

The planned protest was characterized by its xenophobic and exclusionary rhetoric, specifically targeting the shelter's residents, including unaccompanied foreign minors derogatorily referred to as "menas" by the organizers. The governmental body has highlighted reports warning of the risks of public disorder and the potential for hate crime charges, citing previous incidents involving Núcleo Nacional and their consistent pattern of threatening and racist discourse.

Francisco Martín, the Government Delegate in Madrid, publicly announced the prohibition on social media, stating, "In the face of hate and violence: stand firm." The official statement reiterates that the right to assemble does not extend to gatherings that incite discrimination or target vulnerable groups. It underscores the authority's capacity to ban demonstrations when there's reasonable evidence that they could lead to criminal acts or disrupt public order, endangering individuals or property. The document concludes by affirming that safeguarding children's rights and preventing all forms of violence are paramount responsibilities of public authorities.

The neo-Nazi group Núcleo Nacional, established only a year ago, is currently under investigation for hate crimes linked to the distribution of a video containing xenophobic messages. This video, which called for the now-banned protest, featured an individual masked and wearing the group's insignia, who disparaged both the political right and left while urging action for what he claimed as the nation's rightful cause. The rallying cry, "only the people save the people," was notably used by the group to criticize state institutions during a recent national disaster, suggesting governmental inaction. The video showed supporters, similarly disguised with masks or sunglasses, holding a banner reading "Ni menas ni halal Núcleo Nacional," further illustrating their hostile stance.

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