Cambrils defies terrorism
The seaside town holds an event to remember the victims of last year’s terror attacks and the actions of the emergency services and the public
“We are a land of peace and solidarity; we are a people open to everyone and all ways of thinking and believing, and we will continue to be so.” With these words, the mayor of Cambrils, Camí Mendoza, yesterday showed the town’s rejection of the terror attack that took place a year ago. Five members of the jihadist group that a day earlier attacked pedestrians on Barcelona’s La Rambla managed to kill one person, Ana María Suárez, and wound seven others in the seaside town before they were shot dead by police.
Mendoza was the only person to speak at yesterday’s event dedicated to the victims and family members –many of whom were present– of the Cambrils attack. The mayor also praised the actions of the emergency services, and made special mention of former Catalan police chief, Josep Lluís Trapero, and former Catalan interior minister, Quim Forn, which drew applause, and the odd boo, from among the hundreds who had turned out for the event. President Quim Torra’s arrival at the event was cheered, while the new head of the PP, Pablo Casado, drew jeers. A Spanish flag and a few ANC posters condemning the repression of those who oversaw the police operation last year were the only political symbols to be seen among the public.
“Those who want to terrify us will find us united, defending democracy from the diversity of our cultures, origins, ideas and beliefs,” continued Mendoza, who thanked those local people who on the night of the attack “gave refuge” to the people caught up in the events. She also insisted that the attacks will not change the wish to “make a more respectful society” and will not break “the coexistence of cultures and religions” in the town.
