A serious incident occurred in the village of El Pozuelo, which is part of the municipality of Albuñol (Granada province, Andalusia): the local Catholic church was set on fire during the night. As a result of the blaze, a significant portion of the building was completely destroyed.
Civil Guard officers promptly detained the suspected perpetrator. According to law enforcement, the individual is a 21-year-old man of North African origin who had recently arrived in the area. He is currently in custody, and the judicial police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
Firefighters from Motril were dispatched to the scene, managing to contain and extinguish the blaze. A security cordon has been set up around the church to ensure safety and prevent further incidents. Authorities have increased patrols in the village to avoid possible tensions among residents.
As a result of the fire, several people sustained minor injuries while trying to stop the flames from spreading. Local residents and emergency service workers demonstrated dedication as they took part in eliminating the aftermath of the incident.
The Archdiocese of Granada expressed deep regret over the incident and thanked everyone who helped fight the fire. Church representatives called for calm, mutual respect, and the swift restoration of peace in the community. The authorities of Albuñol also condemned the arson, noting that the Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol suffered significant damage.
The Islamic community of Andalusia issued an official statement strongly condemning the arson. Representatives of the organization emphasized that such actions go against both human and Islamic values, as well as the principles of interfaith respect. They noted that this incident is an isolated case and does not reflect the stance of the region’s Muslim population, which seeks peaceful coexistence.
Community and religious leaders called for an objective investigation and fair application of the law regarding the suspect. They also expressed support for the Catholic community of El Posuelo and stressed the importance of dialogue and mutual respect to maintain public order.
Authorities and public organizations continue to monitor the situation, stressing the need for joint efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future and to strengthen interfaith harmony in the region.
