This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Heba Press: Muhammad Zariyouh
Spanish social networks have witnessed a wave of racist and Islamophobic attacks following the appointment of Leila Dris Hache Mohamed, the first woman of Moroccan and Muslim origin, as head of the national police in the city of Jaén. The platforms, particularly the “X” network (formerly Twitter), were flooded with offensive comments including threats and allegations about the “Islamization of Spain”, which sparked many reactions against this campaign.
Among notable critics, some described the nomination as a step towards “Islamophobia” in Europe, while others used the opportunity to stir up domestic political controversy and link the nomination to themes of immigration and of Islam.
According to security sources, these messages reflect an organized campaign aimed at spreading hate speech, as similar texts were repeated on several accounts with fictitious names and geographic locations.
-Laila Driss, 54, is a Spaniard from the occupied city of Melilla and comes from a family of Moroccan origin. She began her career thirty years ago and has earned numerous academic degrees, including degrees in police science and law and a master’s degree in protocol. She also held high-ranking positions, including heading security at the Alhambra Palace and heading a Spanish UN mission to Haiti.
Although local authorities in Jaén welcomed the appointment, online attacks have included racist insults and doubts about their loyalty to the Spanish state. Some then accused her of being an “agent” of Morocco due to her previous work as security attaché at the Spanish embassy in Rabat between 2013 and 2017, in addition to her participation in Moroccan religious celebrations, which aroused the ire of some. extremist parties.
In this context, the Spanish authorities have opened an investigation to identify those responsible for publications that could constitute hate crimes. Security sources confirmed that a specialized public police team is working to collect evidence to submit to justice. However, Laila Driss refused to take any personal legal action, demonstrating her commitment to her responsibilities in her new position.
The controversy is reminiscent of previous hate campaigns targeting public figures because of their ethnic or religious backgrounds, and raises deeper questions about the challenges Europe faces in the face of growing racist discourse in the digital space.
