As they waited for the arrival of U.S. President Joe Biden and other world leaders in the high-security NATO summit venue on the outskirts of Madrid on Tuesday, international officials and journalists were bemused to find "Russian&nbsp;Salad" on the top of the in-house restaurant menu.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-to-invite-finland-and-sweden-to-join-alliance-after-turkiye-lifts-objections-492760">NATO to invite Finland and Sweden to join alliance after Türkiye lifts objections</a>

The melange of peas, potatoes, carrots and mayonnaise is a staple on Spanish restaurant menus but ahead of a summit at which Russia is expected to be labelled as a security threat in the alliance's new strategic concept over its invasion of Ukraine, its presence on the menu caused consternation.

"Russian&nbsp;salad&nbsp;at a NATO summit? I'm a little surprised by that choice of dish," journalist Iñaki López told Spanish media outlet La Sexta.

Watch |&nbsp;Spain lobbies NATO, allies over Ukraine-driven migration

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The dish's attractively high carb content appeared to trump its questionable name however, and it reportedly sold out within hours.

More diplomatic thought was applied to the menu served to visiting defence and foreign ministers at a banquet at the Baroque Santa Cruz Palace in Central Madrid on Tuesday evening.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-to-pledge-aid-to-baltics-and-ukraine-urge-turkey-to-let-in-nordics-492254">NATO to pledge aid to Baltics and Ukraine, urge Turkey to let in Nordics</a>

Jose Andres, the Spanish chef featured in the Netflix series Chef's Table who coordinated the meal, served the classic tapa but added "tomato dumplings" and re-christened it "Ukrainian&nbsp;salad" as he has done in his restaurants across Spain.

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As they waited for the arrival of U.S. President Joe Biden and other world leaders in the high-security NATO summit venue on the outskirts of Madrid on Tuesday, international officials and journalists were bemused to find "Russian Salad" on the top of the in-house restaurant menu.

As they waited for the arrival of U.S. President Joe Biden and other world leaders in the high-security NATO summit venue on the outskirts of Madrid on Tuesday, international officials and journalists were bemused to find "Russian Salad" on the top of the in-house restaurant menu. Also read | NATO to invite Finland and Sweden to join alliance after Türkiye lifts objections The melange of peas, potatoes, carrots and mayonnaise is a staple on Spanish restaurant menus but ahead of a summit at which Russia is expected to be labelled as a security threat in the alliance's new strategic concept over its invasion of Ukraine, its presence on the menu caused consternation. "Russian salad at a NATO summit? I'm a little surprised by that choice of dish," journalist Iñaki López told Spanish media outlet La Sexta. Watch | Spain lobbies NATO, allies over Ukraine-driven migration The dish's attractively high carb content appeared to trump its questionable name however, and it reportedly sold out within hours. More diplomatic thought was applied to the menu served to visiting defence and foreign ministers at a banquet at the Baroque Santa Cruz Palace in Central Madrid on Tuesday evening. Also read | NATO to pledge aid to Baltics and Ukraine, urge Turkey to let in Nordics Jose Andres, the Spanish chef featured in the Netflix series Chef's Table who coordinated the meal, served the classic tapa but added "tomato dumplings" and re-christened it "Ukrainian salad" as he has done in his restaurants across Spain. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Russian Salad' on the menu at NATO summit cafe in Madrid raises eyebrows

With the G7 summit over, leaders are en route to Madrid for a three-day NATO conference; the western military alliance will focus on the ongoing war in eastern Europe.

Spain: NATO gears up for Madrid Summit

Madrid has officially expressed an interest in hosting a Formula One race, the city`s regional government announced on Thursday. Although there are no Formula One-grade tracks in Madrid and Spain already hosts a race in Barcelona, which has a contract until 2026, the Spanish capital believes it can open talks with Formula One organisers, Liberty Media, about hosting a race.

"I would like to confirm our commitment to you and to this project, as well as our willingness to sign the appropriate agreements to promote the race and offer a great sporting and entertainment spectacle," local government cabinet minister Enrique Lopez wrote in a letter to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

Further details about the bid were not disclosed. Formula One organisers declined to comment. 
Madrid hosted F1 Grands Prix between 1968 and 1981 at the Jarama Circuit, which is outdated and would need a major upgrade to be able to host a race again.

Last year, the local government of Morata de Tajuna, 36km south of Madrid, confirmed that it was seeking to build an FIA Grade 1 circuit with the ambition of hosting F1 and MotoGP races in the future. There are a record 23 Formula One races scheduled this year and while organisers are keen to expand the sport`s geographical reach, they have looked primarily at adding venues in Africa and the United States.

Madrid has officially expressed an interest in hosting a Formula One race, the city`s regional government announced on Thursday. Although there are no Formula One-grade tracks in Madrid and Spain already hosts a race in Barcelona, which has a contract until 2026, the Spanish capital believes it can open talks with Formula One organisers, Liberty Media, about hosting a race.

Madrid has officially expressed an interest in hosting a Formula One race, the city`s regional government announced on Thursday. Although there are no Formula One-grade tracks in Madrid and Spain already hosts a race in Barcelona, which has a contract until 2026, the Spanish capital believes it can open talks with Formula One organisers, Liberty Media, about hosting a race. "I would like to confirm our commitment to you and to this project, as well as our willingness to sign the appropriate agreements to promote the race and offer a great sporting and entertainment spectacle," local government cabinet minister Enrique Lopez wrote in a letter to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. Further details about the bid were not disclosed. Formula One organisers declined to comment. Madrid hosted F1 Grands Prix between 1968 and 1981 at the Jarama Circuit, which is outdated and would need a major upgrade to be able to host a race again. Last year, the local government of Morata de Tajuna, 36km south of Madrid, confirmed that it was seeking to build an FIA Grade 1 circuit with the ambition of hosting F1 and MotoGP races in the future. There are a record 23 Formula One races scheduled this year and while organisers are keen to expand the sport`s geographical reach, they have looked primarily at adding venues in Africa and the United States.

Madrid officially expresses interest in hosting Formula One race

The streets of Madrid were filled with artwork promoting the LGTBQIA+ community ahead of pride month. This year’s theme is ‘Together As Ourselves’.

‘Pride art’ in Madrid streets ahead of Pride festival

Here we bring you a museum unlike any other. Often when we go to see works of art and other exhibits in a museum, it's generally a visual sense that is stimulated but the scent museum in Madrid wants to change the way we experience art, take a look.

Do you know what past smells like? Visitors throng 'Scent Museum' in Madrid

Hundreds of protesters opposed Spain's new position on the fate of Western Sahara as an autonomous region of Morocco. The protesters gathered outside Spain's Foreign Affairs Ministry to make their voices heard.

“We feel betrayed because he said that he gives sovereignty over the Saharawi territory to the Moroccans and we do not feel equal to them," said protester Fatu Abahai, who came from Basque Country to Madrid to demonstrate.

Morocco considers Western Sahara its own but an Algeria-backed independence movement demands a sovereign state. For years most countries, including Spain, had advocated for an independence referendum to determine its fate.

Madrid told Rabat last Friday (March 18) that it regarded its autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as "serious, credible and realistic," in a move expected to help patch up sour relations between the two countries.

Waving Saharan flags, protesters claimed “Sanchez, traitor” and “free Sahara” while holding a banner reading "Sahara is not for sale."

The change of position - led by Sanchez's Socialist Party - came as a surprise to the coalition government's junior partner, the far left Podemos party, which criticised the move. They were joined by dissenting voices from experts, media and non-governmental organisations.

In recent years the prospect of an independence referendum has waned and even the United Nations has ceased referring to a vote, speaking instead of seeking a realistic, mutually acceptable solution based on compromise.

Relations cooled between Spain and Morocco last year after Rabat accused Madrid of not telling it about admitting a Western Sahara independence leader for medical treatment using Algerian documents.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of protesters opposed Spain's new position on the fate of Western Sahara as an autonomous region of Morocco. The protesters gathered outside Spain's Foreign Affairs Ministry to make their voices heard.

Hundreds of protesters opposed Spain's new position on the fate of Western Sahara as an autonomous region of Morocco. The protesters gathered outside Spain's Foreign Affairs Ministry to make their voices heard. “We feel betrayed because he said that he gives sovereignty over the Saharawi territory to the Moroccans and we do not feel equal to them," said protester Fatu Abahai, who came from Basque Country to Madrid to demonstrate. Morocco considers Western Sahara its own but an Algeria-backed independence movement demands a sovereign state. For years most countries, including Spain, had advocated for an independence referendum to determine its fate. Madrid told Rabat last Friday (March 18) that it regarded its autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as "serious, credible and realistic," in a move expected to help patch up sour relations between the two countries. Waving Saharan flags, protesters claimed “Sanchez, traitor” and “free Sahara” while holding a banner reading "Sahara is not for sale." The change of position - led by Sanchez's Socialist Party - came as a surprise to the coalition government's junior partner, the far left Podemos party, which criticised the move. They were joined by dissenting voices from experts, media and non-governmental organisations. In recent years the prospect of an independence referendum has waned and even the United Nations has ceased referring to a vote, speaking instead of seeking a realistic, mutually acceptable solution based on compromise. Relations cooled between Spain and Morocco last year after Rabat accused Madrid of not telling it about admitting a Western Sahara independence leader for medical treatment using Algerian documents. (With inputs from agencies)

Large protest in Madrid against Spain's position on Western Sahara

When Russian bombs began falling on Kharkiv, Anna Kharazii knew she had to get out. After a harrowing voyage across Europe with her young daughter, mother and mother-in-law, the family is building a new life in Spain. 
 
"We came here with nothing, just hand luggage, and they have given us everything," Kharazii, 37, told Reuters at Madrid`s Isabel Zendal hospital, converted into an administrative centre for Ukrainian refugees. 
 
Some 25,000 Ukrainians have entered Spain since Russia invaded on February&nbsp;24, according to the latest government estimates. In neighbouring Portugal, Ukrainians are now the second-largest foreign community after Brazilians. The United Nations says almost 3.6 million refugees have fled Ukraine so far. 
 
"We feel really welcomed and grateful for their hospitality," said Kharazii, an IT expert and interior designer who is being helped by a Spanish family. 
 
ALSO&nbsp; READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-says-russian-army-taking-defensive-positions-in-ukraine-465022">Pentagon says Russian army 'taking defensive positions' in Ukraine</a> 
 
Fearing for their lives, Kharazii and her husband packed their daughter Kira and their elderly mothers into a car just after the invasion and set off for the western city of Ivano-Frankivsk, which they believed would be safe.Relying on strangers for food and shelter, they dodged air-raids and slept in bunkers along the way.

WATCH |&nbsp;Putin asks EU to pay Roubles for gas, West remains divided on oil sanctions

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"You have to switch off the light so that they do not drop the bomb on us," three-year old Kira said in a cellphone video filmed just before their escape, dressed in a rainbow-coloured tutu and head torch and clutching a stuffed pink unicorn. 
 
But when they arrived, Ivano-Frankivsk was also under attack and Kharazii realised they had to leave Ukraine. 
 
Her husband, Kirill Antonov, stayed behind to deliver supplies to troops, while the women took a 35-hour bus trip to Budapest where they found a free flight to Madrid on March 18. 
 
A relative living in Spain put them in touch with Maria Jose Angoitia, a retired book shop owner who had a vacant flat. 
 
"We had just bought it and were planning to rent it and we said `That`s it, the four of them are coming here!`" Angoitia said, explaining that friends and neighbours helped furnish the house with beds, a television and a microwave. 
 
Angoitia accompanied the family on Tuesday to help them apply for their free travel cards and healthcare registration. 
 
While the women waited in line, Kira, who has already visited the school she will be attending, propelled herself around on a toy motorbike and played with her new Spanish host. 
 
Kharazii`s Russian-born mother-in-law Svitlana Antonova, 64, who grew up in the Donbas region of Ukraine, recalled how she already had to flee once when fighting broke out between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian troops eight years ago. 
 
"I always thought Russia was the country most committed to peace, I was raised with that thought," she said. 
 
"All of it was a lie."

&nbsp;

When Russian bombs began falling on Kharkiv, Anna Kharazii knew she had to get out. After a harrowing voyage across Europe with her young daughter, mother and mother-in-law, the family is building a new life in Spain.

When Russian bombs began falling on Kharkiv, Anna Kharazii knew she had to get out. After a harrowing voyage across Europe with her young daughter, mother and mother-in-law, the family is building a new life in Spain. "We came here with nothing, just hand luggage, and they have given us everything," Kharazii, 37, told Reuters at Madrid`s Isabel Zendal hospital, converted into an administrative centre for Ukrainian refugees. Some 25,000 Ukrainians have entered Spain since Russia invaded on February 24, according to the latest government estimates. In neighbouring Portugal, Ukrainians are now the second-largest foreign community after Brazilians. The United Nations says almost 3.6 million refugees have fled Ukraine so far. "We feel really welcomed and grateful for their hospitality," said Kharazii, an IT expert and interior designer who is being helped by a Spanish family. ALSO READ | Pentagon says Russian army 'taking defensive positions' in Ukraine Fearing for their lives, Kharazii and her husband packed their daughter Kira and their elderly mothers into a car just after the invasion and set off for the western city of Ivano-Frankivsk, which they believed would be safe.Relying on strangers for food and shelter, they dodged air-raids and slept in bunkers along the way. WATCH | Putin asks EU to pay Roubles for gas, West remains divided on oil sanctions × "You have to switch off the light so that they do not drop the bomb on us," three-year old Kira said in a cellphone video filmed just before their escape, dressed in a rainbow-coloured tutu and head torch and clutching a stuffed pink unicorn. But when they arrived, Ivano-Frankivsk was also under attack and Kharazii realised they had to leave Ukraine. Her husband, Kirill Antonov, stayed behind to deliver supplies to troops, while the women took a 35-hour bus trip to Budapest where they found a free flight to Madrid on March 18. A relative living in Spain put them in touch with Maria Jose Angoitia, a retired book shop owner who had a vacant flat. "We had just bought it and were planning to rent it and we said `That`s it, the four of them are coming here!`" Angoitia said, explaining that friends and neighbours helped furnish the house with beds, a television and a microwave. Angoitia accompanied the family on Tuesday to help them apply for their free travel cards and healthcare registration. While the women waited in line, Kira, who has already visited the school she will be attending, propelled herself around on a toy motorbike and played with her new Spanish host. Kharazii`s Russian-born mother-in-law Svitlana Antonova, 64, who grew up in the Donbas region of Ukraine, recalled how she already had to flee once when fighting broke out between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian troops eight years ago. "I always thought Russia was the country most committed to peace, I was raised with that thought," she said. "All of it was a lie."

Three generations of women flee war in Ukraine for Spain

Madrid`s Teatro Real on Friday said it has cancelled performances of the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet scheduled in May because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the "painful humanitarian emergency" it has caused. 
 
Thousands of people are believed to have been killed or wounded and more than 1 million refugees have fled Ukraine since Feb. 24 when Russia`s President Vladimir Putin ordered the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two. 
 
"The Teatro Real regrets not being able to count on this prestigious company, whose director, Vladimir Urin, has spoken out publicly in favour of Ukraine and against the war", it said. 
 
The opera house already showed its support to Ukraine on Feb. 27, when in a performance of "Twilight of the Gods," the corpse of Siegfried was wrapped in the Ukrainian flag. 
 
The invasion has led dozens of private companies as well as a wide array of institutions to either stop operating in Russia or cut ties with Russian counterparts. 
 
The Madrid theatre said it will reimburse the tickets it had already sold.

Madrid`s Teatro Real on Friday said it has cancelled performances of the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet scheduled in May because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the "painful humanitarian emergency" it has caused.

Madrid`s Teatro Real on Friday said it has cancelled performances of the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet scheduled in May because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the "painful humanitarian emergency" it has caused. Thousands of people are believed to have been killed or wounded and more than 1 million refugees have fled Ukraine since Feb. 24 when Russia`s President Vladimir Putin ordered the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two. "The Teatro Real regrets not being able to count on this prestigious company, whose director, Vladimir Urin, has spoken out publicly in favour of Ukraine and against the war", it said. The opera house already showed its support to Ukraine on Feb. 27, when in a performance of "Twilight of the Gods," the corpse of Siegfried was wrapped in the Ukrainian flag. The invasion has led dozens of private companies as well as a wide array of institutions to either stop operating in Russia or cut ties with Russian counterparts. The Madrid theatre said it will reimburse the tickets it had already sold.

Madrid's Opera House cancels Russia's Bolshoi ballet show after Ukraine invasion

Thousands of people dressed as Santa Claus took part in a charity run through Madrid to raise money for victims of the volcanic eruption on the Spanish island of La Palma.

Thousands of Santas run for charity in Madrid for victim of La Palma eruption

A charity run through Spanish capital Madrid saw thousands of people taking part dressed as Santa Claus. The run was organised to raise money for people on Spanish island La Palma which is affected by three-month volcanic eruption.

The runners were decked out in classic red and white outfits. They set off in a flurry of fake snow along the Paseo de la Castellana, a major boulevard through the city centre.

Some runners swapped Santa's traditional red trousers for more sporty shorts, while many wore face masks as a coronavirus precaution.

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"You have to try to be careful, especially close to Christmas," said Teresa, taking part with her colleagues, who were all wearing face masks. She was quoted by news agency Reuters.

"Everything that we do for that place (La Palma) is not enough," said 40-years-old military emergency unit (UME) member Abel San Perez. He was quoted by news agency Reuters.

Thousands of people have been evacuated, at least 2,910 buildings have been destroyed and banana plantations have been devastated on La Palma, an island in the Canaries. The Cumbre Vieja volcano began spewing streams of molten lava in September, but scientists said last week the eruption could be coming to an end.

(With inputs from agencies)

A charity run through Spanish capital Madrid saw thousands of people taking part dressed as Santa Claus. The run was organised to raise money for people on Spanish island La Palma which is affected by three-month volcanic eruption.

A charity run through Spanish capital Madrid saw thousands of people taking part dressed as Santa Claus. The run was organised to raise money for people on Spanish island La Palma which is affected by three-month volcanic eruption. The runners were decked out in classic red and white outfits. They set off in a flurry of fake snow along the Paseo de la Castellana, a major boulevard through the city centre. Some runners swapped Santa's traditional red trousers for more sporty shorts, while many wore face masks as a coronavirus precaution. "You have to try to be careful, especially close to Christmas," said Teresa, taking part with her colleagues, who were all wearing face masks. She was quoted by news agency Reuters. "Everything that we do for that place (La Palma) is not enough," said 40-years-old military emergency unit (UME) member Abel San Perez. He was quoted by news agency Reuters. Thousands of people have been evacuated, at least 2,910 buildings have been destroyed and banana plantations have been devastated on La Palma, an island in the Canaries. The Cumbre Vieja volcano began spewing streams of molten lava in September, but scientists said last week the eruption could be coming to an end. (With inputs from agencies)

Madrid: Thousands dressed as Santa take part in charity run for volcano-hit La Palma

World tourism surged in July, thanks to vaccination rollouts and fewer travel restrictions, but traveller numbers still fell far short of pre-pandemic levels, the UN's tourism body said on Monday.&nbsp;

Some 54 million tourists crossed international borders in July, the highest figure since April 2020, in the early months of the coronavirus crisis, the World Tourism Organization said in a statement.

That represented an increase of 58 percent compared with the level recorded in July 2020, but was still a drop of 67 per cent from the 164 million recorded in July 2019.&nbsp;

"This improvement was underpinned by the reopening of many destinations to international travel, mostly in Europe and the Americas&nbsp;coupled with progress made in the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines" which contributed to "gradually restoring safe mobility in Europe and other parts of the world," it said.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-set-to-discontinue-compulsory-10-day-quarantine-rule-417795" hreflang="en">UK set to discontinue compulsory 10-day quarantine rule</a>

"Nevertheless, 2021 continues to be a challenging year for global tourism, with international arrivals down 80 per cent in January-July compared to 2019," said the Madrid-based organisation.&nbsp;

In the first seven months of the year, Asia and the Pacific continued to see the steepest declines, with a drop of 95 percent in international arrivals, followed by the Middle East where numbers were down 82 per cent, Europe and Africa, which registered a fall of 77 per cent, and the Americas which sustained a drop 68 per cent.

Only a few small islands in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, alongside several small European destinations recovered and counted arrivals close to, or even higher, than pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;

Spain, which before the pandemic was the world's second most popular tourist destination, on Monday said it welcomed 15 million tourists in the first eight months of the year, a decline of 4.2 percent from the same period last year, the National Statistics Institute said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-tightens-travel-rules-as-covid-spreads-417811" hreflang="en">New Zealand tightens travel rules as Covid spreads</a>

The data cast doubt on the objective set by the Spanish government of attracting some 45 million foreign visitors this year, around half the number of 2019.

"The true restart of tourism and the benefits it brings, remains on hold as inconsistent rules and regulations and uneven vaccination rates continue to affect confidence in travel," UNWTO head Zurab Pololikashvili in the statement.

The UN body said it was expecting to see a "rebound" in 2022 although global tourism is not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels until 2023 or 2024.&nbsp;

World tourism surged in July, thanks to vaccination rollouts and fewer travel restrictions, but traveller numbers still fell far short of pre-pandemic levels, the UN's tourism body said on Monday.

World tourism surged in July, thanks to vaccination rollouts and fewer travel restrictions, but traveller numbers still fell far short of pre-pandemic levels, the UN's tourism body said on Monday. Some 54 million tourists crossed international borders in July, the highest figure since April 2020, in the early months of the coronavirus crisis, the World Tourism Organization said in a statement. That represented an increase of 58 percent compared with the level recorded in July 2020, but was still a drop of 67 per cent from the 164 million recorded in July 2019. "This improvement was underpinned by the reopening of many destinations to international travel, mostly in Europe and the Americas coupled with progress made in the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines" which contributed to "gradually restoring safe mobility in Europe and other parts of the world," it said. Also Read: UK set to discontinue compulsory 10-day quarantine rule "Nevertheless, 2021 continues to be a challenging year for global tourism, with international arrivals down 80 per cent in January-July compared to 2019," said the Madrid-based organisation. In the first seven months of the year, Asia and the Pacific continued to see the steepest declines, with a drop of 95 percent in international arrivals, followed by the Middle East where numbers were down 82 per cent, Europe and Africa, which registered a fall of 77 per cent, and the Americas which sustained a drop 68 per cent. Only a few small islands in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, alongside several small European destinations recovered and counted arrivals close to, or even higher, than pre-pandemic levels. Spain, which before the pandemic was the world's second most popular tourist destination, on Monday said it welcomed 15 million tourists in the first eight months of the year, a decline of 4.2 percent from the same period last year, the National Statistics Institute said. Also Read: New Zealand tightens travel rules as Covid spreads The data cast doubt on the objective set by the Spanish government of attracting some 45 million foreign visitors this year, around half the number of 2019. "The true restart of tourism and the benefits it brings, remains on hold as inconsistent rules and regulations and uneven vaccination rates continue to affect confidence in travel," UNWTO head Zurab Pololikashvili in the statement. The UN body said it was expecting to see a "rebound" in 2022 although global tourism is not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels until 2023 or 2024.

World tourism surges in July, but falls short of pre-Covid levels

Hundreds of people on Saturday gathered in central Madrid to call for better protection for LGBT rights after a series of homophobic attacks that have shocked Spain in recent months.

People waved rainbow flags and carried banners that read "justice", "touch one of us, touch us all", "we are being killed".

While speaking to Reuters, protestor Gabriel Escribano said, "We are here to protest against the continuous homophobic attacks and the constant aggressions that happen weekend after weekend."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/911-attacks-fbi-releases-newly-declassified-record-412485">Also read |&nbsp;9/11 attacks: FBI releases newly declassified record</a>

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez chaired an urgent meeting of ministers, community leaders and police to discuss how to reduce hate crimes.

Such crimes have grown by around 9 per cent a year since 2014, according to the Interior Ministry.

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has said that hate crimes were on the rise and becoming more violent.

There have been growing calls for the government to take action since the killing of nursing assistant Samuel Luiz, who was beaten to death in July in the northwestern region of Galicia allegedly because of his sexual orientation.

Hundreds of people on Saturday gathered in central Madrid to call for better protection for LGBT rights after a series of homophobic attacks that have shocked Spain in recent months.

Hundreds of people on Saturday gathered in central Madrid to call for better protection for LGBT rights after a series of homophobic attacks that have shocked Spain in recent months. People waved rainbow flags and carried banners that read "justice", "touch one of us, touch us all", "we are being killed". While speaking to Reuters, protestor Gabriel Escribano said, "We are here to protest against the continuous homophobic attacks and the constant aggressions that happen weekend after weekend." Also read | 9/11 attacks: FBI releases newly declassified record Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez chaired an urgent meeting of ministers, community leaders and police to discuss how to reduce hate crimes. Such crimes have grown by around 9 per cent a year since 2014, according to the Interior Ministry. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has said that hate crimes were on the rise and becoming more violent. There have been growing calls for the government to take action since the killing of nursing assistant Samuel Luiz, who was beaten to death in July in the northwestern region of Galicia allegedly because of his sexual orientation.

People in Madrid protest against rise in homophobic attacks

Save&nbsp;the&nbsp;Children&nbsp;on Saturday urged&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;to halt the&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied&nbsp;minors&nbsp;who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago.

The international NGO accused Madrid of failing to protect the rights of the&nbsp;children.

Up to 10,000 migrants flooded across the border in North Africa into Ceuta&nbsp;over&nbsp;several days in May as Moroccan border guards stood aside.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-die-dozens-rescued-as-migrant-boat-capsizes-off-spains-tenerife-373576">Three die, dozens rescued as migrant boat capsizes off Spain's Tenerife</a>&nbsp;

This was widely seen as retaliation for&nbsp;Spain's decision to host Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, which has for decades fought Morocco for the independence of Western Sahara, for medical treatment.

Spain&nbsp;on Friday began sending back more than 700 unaccompanied&nbsp;minors&nbsp;to Morocco.

"Repatriations from Ceuta continue today,"&nbsp;Save&nbsp;the&nbsp;Children&nbsp;posted on Twitter Saturday.

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Hoy continúan las repatriaciomes desde Ceuta. Estamos viendo como sacan a niños desde el pabellón deportivo de Santa Amelia para llevarlos a Marruecos. Pedimos el cese de estas reagrupaciones, España no está garantizando la protección de los menores. <a href="https://t.co/SSuBZH5IqP">pic.twitter.com/SSuBZH5IqP</a>
— Save the Children Es (@SaveChildrenEs) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaveChildrenEs/status/1426458830897045506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The NGO called "for an end" to these. "Spain&nbsp;is not guaranteeing the protection of&nbsp;minors," it said.

The interior ministry has not officially announced the repatriations and was not immediately available when contacted by AFP.

Ione Belarra, leader of the far-left Podemos, the junior member of&nbsp;Spain's ruling coalition, also criticised the transfers in a letter to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-opens-migrant-camps-in-the-canaries-expecting-fresh-influx-359667">Spain opens migrant camps in the Canaries expecting fresh influx</a>

"We have been informed by&nbsp;children's organisations on the ground that the&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;of&nbsp;minors&nbsp;has begun," she wrote in the letter published in online daily El Confidencial.

She said that the operation might be taking place "without strict observance" of various Spanish and international laws.

Save the Children on Saturday urged Spain to halt the repatriation to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied minors who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago.

Save the Children on Saturday urged Spain to halt the repatriation to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied minors who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago. The international NGO accused Madrid of failing to protect the rights of the children. Up to 10,000 migrants flooded across the border in North Africa into Ceuta over several days in May as Moroccan border guards stood aside. Also read | Three die, dozens rescued as migrant boat capsizes off Spain's Tenerife This was widely seen as retaliation for Spain's decision to host Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, which has for decades fought Morocco for the independence of Western Sahara, for medical treatment. Spain on Friday began sending back more than 700 unaccompanied minors to Morocco. "Repatriations from Ceuta continue today," Save the Children posted on Twitter Saturday. Hoy continúan las repatriaciomes desde Ceuta. Estamos viendo como sacan a niños desde el pabellón deportivo de Santa Amelia para llevarlos a Marruecos. Pedimos el cese de estas reagrupaciones, España no está garantizando la protección de los menores. pic.twitter.com/SSuBZH5IqP — Save the Children Es (@SaveChildrenEs) August 14, 2021 × The NGO called "for an end" to these. "Spain is not guaranteeing the protection of minors," it said. The interior ministry has not officially announced the repatriations and was not immediately available when contacted by AFP. Ione Belarra, leader of the far-left Podemos, the junior member of Spain's ruling coalition, also criticised the transfers in a letter to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Also read | Spain opens migrant camps in the Canaries expecting fresh influx "We have been informed by children's organisations on the ground that the repatriation of minors has begun," she wrote in the letter published in online daily El Confidencial. She said that the operation might be taking place "without strict observance" of various Spanish and international laws.

Save the Children slams Spain over repatriation of minors

Naomi Osaka's decision to shun the media at the French Open has rocked the&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;landscape and all eyes will be on the world number two when she takes on Romanian Patricia Maria Tig in her first match on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday.

Osaka's announcement that she would boycott her press conferences to protect her mental health has sparked heated debate, with the 23-year-old Japanese player drawing support and condemnation from various quarters.

Osaka missed last year's French Open with a hamstring injury and her preparation has been far from ideal this year, with only three matches under her belt on clay after early defeats in Madrid and Rome.

She has never progressed beyond the third round in Paris and said in Rome that she was still coming to grips with her least-favorite surface.

"In a weird way, I'm kind of glad I'm not winning," Osaka had said. "I know that sounds a bit off, but I feel like I'm learning a lot."

Men's fourth seed Dominic Thiem, who stitched together a run to the semi-finals in Madrid before falling early in Rome and Lyon, is also in action against Spaniard Pablo Andujar.

Twice a finalist at Roland Garros, the Austrian will not meet one of the 'Big Three' - Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer - until the quarter-finals, being in the other half of the draw, but is more worried about his own form.

"I think the way I'm coming into the tournament, the way I also played the last weeks, the only thing I can focus on is the first rounds," Thiem said. "I shouldn't focus at all on who is in my quarter or even who is in my half."

Greece's Monte Carlo Masters and Lyon champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, who is seeded fifth, and Germany's Madrid Masters winner Alexander Zverev, the sixth seed, are also in action, against Jeremy Chardy and qualifier Oscar Otte, respectively.

Third seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, who beat Australian world number one Ash Barty in the Madrid showpiece, faces Croatian qualifier Ana Konjuh, who reached the final in Belgrade last week but retired with a hip injury.

Naomi Osaka's decision to shun the media at the French Open has rocked the tennis landscape and all eyes will be on the world number two when she takes on Romanian Patricia Maria Tig in her first match on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday.

Naomi Osaka's decision to shun the media at the French Open has rocked the tennis landscape and all eyes will be on the world number two when she takes on Romanian Patricia Maria Tig in her first match on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday. Osaka's announcement that she would boycott her press conferences to protect her mental health has sparked heated debate, with the 23-year-old Japanese player drawing support and condemnation from various quarters. Osaka missed last year's French Open with a hamstring injury and her preparation has been far from ideal this year, with only three matches under her belt on clay after early defeats in Madrid and Rome. She has never progressed beyond the third round in Paris and said in Rome that she was still coming to grips with her least-favorite surface. "In a weird way, I'm kind of glad I'm not winning," Osaka had said. "I know that sounds a bit off, but I feel like I'm learning a lot." Men's fourth seed Dominic Thiem, who stitched together a run to the semi-finals in Madrid before falling early in Rome and Lyon, is also in action against Spaniard Pablo Andujar. Twice a finalist at Roland Garros, the Austrian will not meet one of the 'Big Three' - Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer - until the quarter-finals, being in the other half of the draw, but is more worried about his own form. "I think the way I'm coming into the tournament, the way I also played the last weeks, the only thing I can focus on is the first rounds," Thiem said. "I shouldn't focus at all on who is in my quarter or even who is in my half." Greece's Monte Carlo Masters and Lyon champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, who is seeded fifth, and Germany's Madrid Masters winner Alexander Zverev, the sixth seed, are also in action, against Jeremy Chardy and qualifier Oscar Otte, respectively. Third seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, who beat Australian world number one Ash Barty in the Madrid showpiece, faces Croatian qualifier Ana Konjuh, who reached the final in Belgrade last week but retired with a hip injury.

Tennis: Naomi Osaka takes centre stage as French Open gets underway

'Blood-soaked' naked activists protest against meat consumption in Spain

Thousands of Colombians living in Madrid marched on Saturday (May 15) and protested against the Colombian government under President Ivan Duque and the police violence used to quell street protests in the Andean country.

The protesters waved Colombian flags and chanted slogans to demand solidarity to their people. Colombians took Madrid's Gran Via street and walked for hours.

"We want to support all our people in Colombia who are being mistreated, who are being murdered for fighting for the fundamental rights," said 52-year-old Colombian Maria Eugenia Rojas, living in Madrid for 14 years.

Demosnstartions in Colombia began last week. They were fuelled by outrage at the government plan to raise sales taxes. That proposal was cancelled, but protesters' demands now include a basic income and the withdrawal of a long-debated health reform that opponents say is too vague to correct inequalities.

Protesters, who originally called marches against a now-cancelled tax plan, have expanded demands to include a basic income, an end to police violence and education and jobs for young people, among other things.

The death toll from protests is disputed. The human rights ombudsman is investigating 41 civilian deaths, while the attorney general's office has confirmed 14.

Colombians are the largest group of Latin American immigrants in Spain where 63,762 are registered. Many fear for their families and loved ones back home.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Colombians living in Madrid marched on Saturday (May 15) and protested against the Colombian government under President Ivan Duque and the police violence used to quell street protests in the Andean country.

Thousands of Colombians living in Madrid marched on Saturday (May 15) and protested against the Colombian government under President Ivan Duque and the police violence used to quell street protests in the Andean country. The protesters waved Colombian flags and chanted slogans to demand solidarity to their people. Colombians took Madrid's Gran Via street and walked for hours. "We want to support all our people in Colombia who are being mistreated, who are being murdered for fighting for the fundamental rights," said 52-year-old Colombian Maria Eugenia Rojas, living in Madrid for 14 years. Demosnstartions in Colombia began last week. They were fuelled by outrage at the government plan to raise sales taxes. That proposal was cancelled, but protesters' demands now include a basic income and the withdrawal of a long-debated health reform that opponents say is too vague to correct inequalities. Protesters, who originally called marches against a now-cancelled tax plan, have expanded demands to include a basic income, an end to police violence and education and jobs for young people, among other things. The death toll from protests is disputed. The human rights ombudsman is investigating 41 civilian deaths, while the attorney general's office has confirmed 14. Colombians are the largest group of Latin American immigrants in Spain where 63,762 are registered. Many fear for their families and loved ones back home. (With inputs from agencies)

Colombians in Madrid march to support protests in home country

A key expert has warned that the coronavirus pandemic is far from over after Spaniards celebrated the end of a six-month lockdown with abandon and paid little heed to precautions like masks and social distancing. 
 
In remarks to the national daily El Pais, the president of Spain's Epidemiological Society, Elena Vanessa Martinez, warned there are still many infected people who could pass the virus on, DPA news agency reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="COVID 19 : Spain ends Covid state of emergency">COVID 19 : Spain ends Covid state of emergency</a> 
 
She noted that people having more contact could lead to more infections. 
 
"In this situation, I am concerned about the false security signal sent with the end of the emergency and the end of the night curfew," Martinez said.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spain-barcelona-residents-celebrate-end-of-emergency-383875/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Most of restrictions expired at Sunday midnight, including the nationwide night curfew, which was lifted in most places but remains in force in a several others. 
 
Travel within Spain is also allowed again, as are in-person family visits. 
 
"I can finally visit my son, my daughter-in-law and my grandchildren in Cadiz," said Asuncion, an 82-year-old widow. 
 
Spain's left-wing government has also urged caution. "The pandemic is not over yet," Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo on Saturday. 
 
Officials are concerned that the past year could repeat itself: in June the government declared a 'new normal' with many restrictions easing. 
 
By November, coronavirus numbers spiked again and the government had to pull the emergency brake and declare the state of emergency, which formed the legal basis for nationwide restrictions.

A key expert has warned that the coronavirus pandemic is far from over after Spaniards celebrated the end of a six-month lockdown with abandon and paid little heed to precautions like masks and social distancing.

A key expert has warned that the coronavirus pandemic is far from over after Spaniards celebrated the end of a six-month lockdown with abandon and paid little heed to precautions like masks and social distancing. In remarks to the national daily El Pais, the president of Spain's Epidemiological Society, Elena Vanessa Martinez, warned there are still many infected people who could pass the virus on, DPA news agency reported. Also read | COVID 19 : Spain ends Covid state of emergency She noted that people having more contact could lead to more infections. "In this situation, I am concerned about the false security signal sent with the end of the emergency and the end of the night curfew," Martinez said. Watch | Most of restrictions expired at Sunday midnight, including the nationwide night curfew, which was lifted in most places but remains in force in a several others. Travel within Spain is also allowed again, as are in-person family visits. "I can finally visit my son, my daughter-in-law and my grandchildren in Cadiz," said Asuncion, an 82-year-old widow. Spain's left-wing government has also urged caution. "The pandemic is not over yet," Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo on Saturday. Officials are concerned that the past year could repeat itself: in June the government declared a 'new normal' with many restrictions easing. By November, coronavirus numbers spiked again and the government had to pull the emergency brake and declare the state of emergency, which formed the legal basis for nationwide restrictions.

Spain celebrates end of lockdown, expert warns pandemic isn't over

Elderly residents from a nursing home outside Madrid relished the fresh air and freedom of a guided tour around the city's zoo on Wednesday, delighting in particular at the sight of Bing-Xing the giant panda.

Pandas a respite from pandemic for Madrid care home residents

Madrid residents on Tuesday handed a resounding victory to the region's hardline leader Isabel Diaz Ayuso who has soared in prominence for stubbornly resisting virus restrictions.

With nearly all the votes counted, the results showed a solid win for Ayuso, a rising star in the right-wing Popular Party (PP), who won almost 45 per cent of the votes, handing a stinging defeat to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists.

"Today begins a new chapter in the history of Spain," a teary-eyed Ayuso declared in her victory speech, her words echoing that of PP chief Pablo Casado who declared the result to be "a turning point for national politics".&nbsp;

With 95 per cent of the votes counted, Ayuso more than doubled her party's showing in the 2019 ballot, winning 65 of the regional parliament's 136 seats, while the Socialists shed 13 seats to secure just 24.&nbsp;

Falling shy of an absolute majority of 69 seats, the 42-year-old will be forced to seek support to rule from the far-right Vox which secured 13 seats -- an option she has said "wouldn't be the end of the world".

With the left facing with a major defeat, Pablo Iglesias, head of the far-left Podemos, junior partner in Spain's ruling coalition, announced he was stepping down from politics.&nbsp;

"We have failed, we have been very far from putting together a sufficient majority," he said, just seven weeks after standing down as deputy prime minister to run as his party's candidate in a risky gamble he ultimately lost.

"When you are no longer useful, you need to know when to withdraw," he admitted.&nbsp;

Although the party secured more votes than last time, with just 10 seats it will remain a minor player in the regional parliament while its hard-left rival Mas Madrid secured 24.&nbsp;

<h2>Heroine of hospitality&nbsp;</h2>

At the helm of Spain's richest region for just over 18 months, Ayuso has been one of the leading critics of Sanchez's leftist government and its handling of the pandemic.

An outspoken hardliner, she has won widespread support for resisting government pressure to impose tighter restrictions on the local economy.

Madrid is the only major European capital that has kept bars, restaurants and theatres open since the national lockdown ended in June 2020.&nbsp;

Just over 5.1 million people were eligible to vote in Tuesday's election, which comes after a bitterly-fought and divisive campaign in a region that has been ruled by the PP for 26 years.&nbsp;

From the early hours, there were long queues outside polling stations, with turnout standing at 76 percent, some 11 percentage points higher than 2019.

Although Madrid has suffered Spain's highest numbers of infections and deaths, Ayuso consistently defied calls to shut bars and restaurants, with the hospitality sector regarding her as a heroine.

<h2>'Beer is important'&nbsp;</h2>

Her call for a snap election caught the political establishment by surprise but was an astute move aimed at cashing in on the political capital she had clearly accrued.

With "freedom" her campaign slogan, the populist leader focused on people's need for normality, despite the pandemic. &nbsp;

"Having beers is important," she said last month. "After a bad day, a beer cheers you up."&nbsp;

Although critics had said her lax restrictions had ultimately cost lives in a region where almost 15,000 coronavirus patients have died -- one in five of Spain's overall toll of 78,000 -- her business-focused approach paid off at the polls.

"Ayuso deserves to be loved for what she's done in keeping bars open and saving jobs," said 63-year-old civil servant Jose Luis Cordon after casting his ballot for the PP.&nbsp;

Although the left had tried to warn voters about Ayuso's likely tie-up with Vox, their words appeared to fall on deaf ears.&nbsp;

Despite the left taking a drubbing, analysts said it wouldn't have a major impact on Spain's ruling coalition, although it would likely exacerbate the antagonism between the PP and the government.&nbsp;

Madrid residents on Tuesday handed a resounding victory to the region's hardline leader Isabel Diaz Ayuso who has soared in prominence for stubbornly resisting virus restrictions.

Madrid residents on Tuesday handed a resounding victory to the region's hardline leader Isabel Diaz Ayuso who has soared in prominence for stubbornly resisting virus restrictions. With nearly all the votes counted, the results showed a solid win for Ayuso, a rising star in the right-wing Popular Party (PP), who won almost 45 per cent of the votes, handing a stinging defeat to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists. "Today begins a new chapter in the history of Spain," a teary-eyed Ayuso declared in her victory speech, her words echoing that of PP chief Pablo Casado who declared the result to be "a turning point for national politics". With 95 per cent of the votes counted, Ayuso more than doubled her party's showing in the 2019 ballot, winning 65 of the regional parliament's 136 seats, while the Socialists shed 13 seats to secure just 24. Falling shy of an absolute majority of 69 seats, the 42-year-old will be forced to seek support to rule from the far-right Vox which secured 13 seats -- an option she has said "wouldn't be the end of the world". With the left facing with a major defeat, Pablo Iglesias, head of the far-left Podemos, junior partner in Spain's ruling coalition, announced he was stepping down from politics. "We have failed, we have been very far from putting together a sufficient majority," he said, just seven weeks after standing down as deputy prime minister to run as his party's candidate in a risky gamble he ultimately lost. "When you are no longer useful, you need to know when to withdraw," he admitted. Although the party secured more votes than last time, with just 10 seats it will remain a minor player in the regional parliament while its hard-left rival Mas Madrid secured 24. Heroine of hospitality At the helm of Spain's richest region for just over 18 months, Ayuso has been one of the leading critics of Sanchez's leftist government and its handling of the pandemic. An outspoken hardliner, she has won widespread support for resisting government pressure to impose tighter restrictions on the local economy. Madrid is the only major European capital that has kept bars, restaurants and theatres open since the national lockdown ended in June 2020. Just over 5.1 million people were eligible to vote in Tuesday's election, which comes after a bitterly-fought and divisive campaign in a region that has been ruled by the PP for 26 years. From the early hours, there were long queues outside polling stations, with turnout standing at 76 percent, some 11 percentage points higher than 2019. Although Madrid has suffered Spain's highest numbers of infections and deaths, Ayuso consistently defied calls to shut bars and restaurants, with the hospitality sector regarding her as a heroine. 'Beer is important' Her call for a snap election caught the political establishment by surprise but was an astute move aimed at cashing in on the political capital she had clearly accrued. With "freedom" her campaign slogan, the populist leader focused on people's need for normality, despite the pandemic. "Having beers is important," she said last month. "After a bad day, a beer cheers you up." Although critics had said her lax restrictions had ultimately cost lives in a region where almost 15,000 coronavirus patients have died -- one in five of Spain's overall toll of 78,000 -- her business-focused approach paid off at the polls. "Ayuso deserves to be loved for what she's done in keeping bars open and saving jobs," said 63-year-old civil servant Jose Luis Cordon after casting his ballot for the PP. Although the left had tried to warn voters about Ayuso's likely tie-up with Vox, their words appeared to fall on deaf ears. Despite the left taking a drubbing, analysts said it wouldn't have a major impact on Spain's ruling coalition, although it would likely exacerbate the antagonism between the PP and the government.

Anti-lockdown leader wins solid re-election in Madrid

Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said on Monday she had received a knife covered in red stains by post, days after senior security officials and a left-wing party leader were sent death threats.

The ministry released a photo showing a small, wood-handled folding knife with a series of red stains running up the blade.

"This is serious...We should be concerned as I'm not a controversial person," said Maroto, a socialist who has served as minister of industry, trade and tourism since 2018.

Also read:<a href="Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic">&nbsp;Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic</a>

"It gives us more strength to defend democracy... Hatred and threats will not silence us," she told reporters outside the house of parliament.

Police are investigating the package, which arrived at the ministry on Friday and included a return address, she added.

The Spanish government is led by the Socialist Party (PSOE), with the far-left Unidas Podemos as its junior coalition partner.

But a chorus of voices from across the political spectrum - including the far-right Vox party - condemned the threats.

Last week, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Pablo Iglesias of Unidas Podemos, and Maria Gamez, who heads the Guardia Civil police force, also received death threats in the mail.

Without suggesting who might be behind the letters, Marlaska on Monday blamed a culture of political polarisation for allowing hate speech to flourish.

"We have a certain anti-democratic political discourse that we must confront forcefully," he told La Sexta television.

He linked the threats to the recent vandalism of a feminist mural in Madrid and the defacement of a statue of former socialist Prime Minister Francisco Largo-Caballero.

"All this generates a belief that it is OK to discriminate... against certain groups," he said.

Tension between right and left has ratcheted up in recent weeks ahead of a regional election in Madrid, where conservative incumbent Isabel Diaz Ayuso is running with the slogan "Communism or Freedom".

Iglesias, who is standing against her for Unidas Podemos, walked out of a debate on Friday after Rocio Monasterio, his opponent from Vox, questioned whether the threats were real.

He had earlier posted the letter on Twitter alongside a photo of four bullets he said came in the envelope. 
"Your wife, your parents and you are sentenced to capital punishment, your time is running out," the letter read.

Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said on Monday she had received a knife covered in red stains by post, days after senior security officials and a left-wing party leader were sent death threats.

Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said on Monday she had received a knife covered in red stains by post, days after senior security officials and a left-wing party leader were sent death threats. The ministry released a photo showing a small, wood-handled folding knife with a series of red stains running up the blade. "This is serious...We should be concerned as I'm not a controversial person," said Maroto, a socialist who has served as minister of industry, trade and tourism since 2018. Also read: Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic "It gives us more strength to defend democracy... Hatred and threats will not silence us," she told reporters outside the house of parliament. Police are investigating the package, which arrived at the ministry on Friday and included a return address, she added. The Spanish government is led by the Socialist Party (PSOE), with the far-left Unidas Podemos as its junior coalition partner. But a chorus of voices from across the political spectrum - including the far-right Vox party - condemned the threats. Last week, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Pablo Iglesias of Unidas Podemos, and Maria Gamez, who heads the Guardia Civil police force, also received death threats in the mail. Without suggesting who might be behind the letters, Marlaska on Monday blamed a culture of political polarisation for allowing hate speech to flourish. "We have a certain anti-democratic political discourse that we must confront forcefully," he told La Sexta television. He linked the threats to the recent vandalism of a feminist mural in Madrid and the defacement of a statue of former socialist Prime Minister Francisco Largo-Caballero. "All this generates a belief that it is OK to discriminate... against certain groups," he said. Tension between right and left has ratcheted up in recent weeks ahead of a regional election in Madrid, where conservative incumbent Isabel Diaz Ayuso is running with the slogan "Communism or Freedom". Iglesias, who is standing against her for Unidas Podemos, walked out of a debate on Friday after Rocio Monasterio, his opponent from Vox, questioned whether the threats were real. He had earlier posted the letter on Twitter alongside a photo of four bullets he said came in the envelope. "Your wife, your parents and you are sentenced to capital punishment, your time is running out," the letter read.

Spanish Tourism Minister gets knife in post

In Madrid, authorities activated a red alert for the first time since the system was adopted four decades ago and called in the military to rescue people.

Spain's heaviest snowfall since 1970's blankets Madrid

Four people died in Spain as Storm Filomena caused travel chaos across the country, but those who were more fortunate in the Spanish capital Madrid put on their skis and snowshoes to enjoy the city's biggest snowfall in decades. Advice from emergency services was to stay home, but people were seen skiing and sledding down the slope across Madrid's Prado Museum on Saturday (January 9).

Snowed under! Madrid residents enjoy biggest snowfall in decades

A Madrid resident saw the lighter side of a snowstorm in the Spanish capital on Saturday (January 9) by donning a T-Rex dinosaur costume to play in the streets.

Rexy the 'dinosaur' makes snow angels in Madrid

It's snowing in Madrid after almost a decade. In Spain, it is said that a snowy year is a prosperous year. The snow has brought a much-needed cheer for the Spaniards.

Gravitas: Madrid receives snowfall after a decade

Light snow already blanketed Madrid on Thursday, a day after Spain registered the lowest temperature ever recorded on the Iberian peninsula

Freezing Madrid braces for rare and heaviest snowfall in years

The Three Wise Men arrived in Madrid on Tuesday (January 5) at a show with no audience on a year without traditional street parades on the eve of the Epiphany.

No audience to receive the Three Kings in Madrid due to COVID-19

Maria Asuncion Ojeda, 87, a resident at Madrid's Ballesol Parque Almansa nursing home was delighted on Monday (December 28) to be one of the first people in Spain to have received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Sunday (December 27) when the country kicked off its coronavirus vaccination campaign.

Joy in Spanish nursing home after residents get COVID-19 jab

104-year-old Elena returned home last week after beating coronavirus and becoming a symbol of hope for Spain's second wave of coronavirus.

Spanish 104 year-old woman returns home after beating coronavirus

Women in Spain marched on Wednesday (November 25) to highlight how lockdowns due to the pandemic had left many trapped with their abusers and exposed to greater danger. The marches in Madrid and Bilbao marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Spanish women join global call for end to domestic violence

Elderly residents and health workers at nursing homes will be the first to be vaccinated against the coronavirus in Spain as outlined in the government's vaccination plan unveiled on Tuesday (November 24) which is due to kick off in January.

"Yes, I'll have it!" - Madrid elderly resident approves of Spain's vaccination plan

El Rastro Madrid's is a popular flea market in Spain, 8 months after its closed due to the pandemic, finally reopen with with tightened security and fewer stalls and other restrictive measures. Madrid has welcome reopening and effort to return to partial normalcy in Spain. our report brings you more.

Madrid welcomes reopening of El Rastro flea market

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