The center-left Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, stated on Monday that social networks linked to Israel and Russia have spread false information about the migrant crisis in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, which occurred in July. He argued that this alleged smear campaign, amplified by far-right networks, was partially fueled by Madrid’s opposition to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, reports AFP.
Both Russia and Israel have spread and amplified, last month, disinformation related to the massive arrival of migrants in Ceuta, the Spanish exclave in North Africa, Sánchez declared on Monday, citing a study conducted by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the foreign policy body of the European Union.
“After the 30th and 31st of July, rumors and false information appeared, originating from social networks related both to Russia and Israel, but also from an international far-right movement that constantly uses the migration theme not only to attack Spain, but also to attack Europe and divide it”, Sánchez declared for the Cadena Ser radio station.
The Prime Minister said it is “obvious” that the two countries have taken advantage of the crisis to criticize the Spanish government, considering the divergences with Madrid on its stance regarding the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The chief executive of Madrid has also ruled out any responsibility of the Moroccan authorities in the sudden influx of migrants who have arrived on Spanish territory.
“No intelligence service among those with which the Spanish government usually cooperates raises any doubt, rather it suggests a certain involvement, in one way or another, of the Moroccan authorities”, he affirmed.
According to Spanish authorities, the vast majority of the approximately 70,000 people who entered Ceuta have since been returned to Morocco.
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