In the town of Las Torres de Cotillas (Murcia province), local authorities have canceled a planned Muslim prayer ceremony at the municipal sports complex. The cancellation was initiated by Pablo Alberto Ruiz, the councilor for public safety, civil protection, and mobility, who represents the Vox party.
According to municipal officials, the organizers did not provide the necessary permits for the use of public space, nor did they pay the required rental fees. Authorities stressed that such events must comply with existing rules and regulations to ensure equal conditions for all residents.
The Vox party publicly supported the decision to cancel the event, stating that it would not tolerate violations of the law when municipal facilities are used. The party’s statement notes that the previous authorities, led by representatives of the Partido Popular, had allowed the venue to be used for a religious event without following all formalities, including failure to pay mandatory fees. The event was to be led by an imam who arrived from Morocco.
After the cancellation, the organizers had to move the prayer to a local mosque. Municipal authorities stated that their priority is to ensure security, uphold the law, and maintain harmony among residents. The administration emphasizes that all events in public spaces must comply with established regulations, with no exceptions or privileges for particular groups.
Since 2023, the mayor of Las Torres de Cotillas has been Pedro José Noguera from the Partido Popular. He took office after the previous municipal leader stepped down for health reasons. His candidacy was supported by both his party members and Vox representatives, allowing the formation of a coalition majority in the city council.
This is not the first time such decisions have been made in the Murcia region. In July last year, authorities in Jumilla also issued a directive that effectively banned Muslim prayers in municipal premises during Ramadan. At the time, the administration explained this as a need to review the rules for using sports facilities and a desire to protect the traditional values of the region.
In other municipalities of Murcia, similar initiatives have sparked controversy. In the regional capital, a comparable measure was discussed, but it was not adopted due to disagreements between parties. The Partido Popular proposed an alternative option that would support traditional cultural and religious events, provided that freedom of religion and the rights of all residents are respected.
The situation in Las Torres de Cotillas reflects a broader trend in the region, where the use of public spaces for religious events is becoming a subject of political debate. Municipal authorities emphasize that their task is to ensure equal conditions for everyone and to prevent violations of current legislation, regardless of the religious affiliation of organizers.
