(Melilla) in the Spanish enclave of Melilla on the North African coast, the traditional liturgical celebrations on the night of Good Friday were overshadowed by a clash between Christians and Muslims. Drunken Muslims insulted the procession from the terrace of a restaurant. The procession carried through the streets a statue of the Virgin Mary, who is particularly revered in Melilla in the miraculous image of the Virgin of Solitude.
Shortly after the statue of the Virgen de la Soledad was carried out of the Sacred Heart Church in procession, there were obscene insults on the Mother of God by drunken Muslims from the roadside. When they were asked by the Christians to stop, the Muslims reacted violently, throwing bottles, plates, chairs and tables on the Catholic procession participants and with palpable results. It broke panic among the faithful. As a result, there was a fierce fight until the police arrived. Four Muslims were arrested and four injured who had to be patched up.
The procession was to be continued after the interruption. The incident was captured on video.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Commission of Melilla distanced itself from the provocateurs.
