Tragic events in Elche: This is not us
In recent days, the eyes of all of Spain, and much of Europe, have been on the town of Elche. Unfortunately, the reason for this attention was the brutal act of violence in which citizens of our country were involved. As editors, but above all as members of the Polish community in Spain, we feel deep sadness about this situation.
A chronicle of the drama in a villa in Elche
The events that unfolded last week resemble the scenario of the worst crime movie. It all began with the illegal seizure of a property (so-called occupation) belonging to a German citizen. When the owner, concerned about the fate of his house, asked friends to check the property, an unimaginable escalation of aggression took place.
Two Poles, aged 19 and 35, attacked people entering the building with dangerous tools. The balance of this assault is tragic: two of the men were killed, and a third is in serious condition fighting for his life in the hospital. The macabre plan of the perpetrators, who tried to hide the bodies of the victims in the trunk, was interrupted only thanks to the vigilance of a neighbor.
The ensuing 20-hour siege of the villa by elite police and Guardia Civil units exposed the absolute unscrupulousness of the detainees. Their defiant behavior toward officers and long history of previous conflicts with the law - including an assault on a car dealership just days earlier - show that we are dealing with individuals who have long disregarded any social norms.
The voice of opposition of the Polish community
As Poles living in Spain, working here, raising families here and building Polish-Spanish relations, we feel great shame today. We want to make it clear: these two people do not represent Poland or Poles. Their behavior contradicts the values we take away from home - hospitality, respect for life and other people's property.
We understand that such events become fodder for stereotypes and can affect how we are perceived by our Spanish neighbors. That is why we cannot remain silent. Violence, lawlessness and aggression have no nationality, and their perpetrators should be punished with the utmost severity of Spanish law.
Let's build a different image of Poland
At this difficult time, it is worth remembering that most of us - thousands of Poles in Alicante, Madrid, Barcelona or Seville - are honest, hard-working and helpful people. We are doctors, engineers, construction workers, artists and entrepreneurs who contribute every day to the development of Spain.
We turn to you, dear readers: let us take care of who they see us as. Let our response to this tragedy be to take even greater care of good relations with the local community. Let us show at every turn that a Pole is a good neighbor, a reliable worker and an empathetic person.
Let's not let the shadow cast by the two criminals cover the brilliance of the thousands of good deeds that the Polish community brings to Spanish life every day.
