Spain paused yesterday (March 11) to mourn those who were killed during a terrorist attack on Madrid’s rail network a decade ago.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Madrid Bombings which killed 191 people and injured 1,800 more.
On March 11, 2004, 10 explosives were detonated on four commuter trains travelling between Alcalá de Henares and Atocha stations on morning peak services.
Spain’s President, Mariano Rajoy, attended a remembrance ceremony this week at Almudena Cathedral in Madrid alongside the country’s King Juan Carlos I and Queen SofÃa.
The European Commission issued a statement through Cecilia Malmström, commissioner for home affairs, which read: “On the 10th anniversary of the Madrid bombing attacks, we express our sympathy and solidarity with all victims of terrorism, their families and friends.
“Our thoughts also turn towards all victims in the world.
“Victims and their families carry the scars of terrorist acts and need our continued and consistent support.
“Survivors of terrorist attacks and family members of victims who have lost their lives can also be important partners to address problems of security and to build a more resilient society. They are credible voices to challenge the violent extremists’ narratives and they can be a precious help to counter the efforts of terrorists to recruit new members and to radicalise our youth. By doing so, they contribute to a more tolerant and open society.”
