Xenophobia Incident in Alicante Raises Attention Across Spain

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A xenophobia incident in Alicante drew sharp attention across the province. A Venezuelan woman was attacked in the municipality of Rojales after a major traffic crash, triggering swift condemnation on social networks where supporters for the victim and denunciations of the assailants spread rapidly.

Adriana González, a Graphic Design professor at the Central University of Venezuela who later moved to Spain, recalled the incident: “In the lane I was using, two intoxicated drivers approached from the opposite direction and collided head-on. When I stepped out, they recognized I was Latina, and their anger flared.”

According to González, the two visibly drunk aggressors targeted her and another person with both physical and verbal assaults, motivated by their perception of Latin American identity. A video posted by the injured party on Instagram captured the moment, illustrating the climate of xenophobia in the region. A bystander-recorded clip shows the confrontation and the escalating tension in Alicante as the events unfolded.

“You’re ‘machupichu’ and you’re a goddamn garbage here in Spain”

The footage depicts one attacker directing a harsh insult toward González, saying, “The police might come, I made a mistake and that’s it, nothing happens but you are ‘machupichu,’ a native, a worthless person here in Spain.” The encounter suggested that fear of law enforcement would not deter the aggressors, who claimed that the guard would pursue the incident as a traffic offense while continuing to demean the victim and her companion.

González explained that, after her partner alerted the police, the attackers intensified their violence. They assaulted him as well, striking and dragging him to the ground, while González reported being kicked, scratched, and bitten. She managed to avoid a direct confrontation with the assailants despite the mounting danger.

In the days following the incident, the injured Venezuelan woman shared several social media posts documenting the injuries and the alleged xenophobic aggression. Medical assessments described injuries such as a cervical spine misalignment, bites, head edema, and an ankle sprain, signaling the severity of the attack and the impact on her daily life.

The case quickly circulated on social networks with messages of solidarity and calls for accountability. Axioma.Report highlighted the event, attributing the narrative to González and noting the viral reach of the post. The coverage included reactions from public figures who expressed remorse and condemnation, underscoring how such acts affect communities and provoke broader conversations about xenophobia in Spain.

As the story grew, González remained resolute. She filed a formal complaint alleging physical assault and hate crimes, signaling a demand for judicial review and protection against future harassment. Advocates emphasized the need for vigilance against discrimination and the importance of reporting hateful conduct promptly to help ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.

Observers stressed that this incident reflects a larger pattern in which xenophobic sentiments surface in public spaces, especially during tense moments like traffic disputes. Community leaders urged dialogue and accountability, aiming to deter similar actions and to foster inclusive environments where diversity is valued and protected.

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