Spanish and European leaders gathered on Monday to mark the solemn occasion of the 20th anniversary of one of Europe's deadliest extremist attacks - the Madrid train bombings of 2004.
King Felipe VI of Spain, Queen Letizia, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez joined officials at a ceremony in Madrid, where they paid tribute to the victims of terrorism. The event coincided with the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism, held annually on March 11.
In his address, King Felipe emphasized the importance of remembering the victims as a commitment to upholding freedom and the rule of law. He stressed the significance of honoring the dignity of terror victims through remembrance, justice, and truth.
The Madrid train bombings, carried out by Islamic extremists, claimed the lives of 193 people and left a deep scar on the Spanish capital. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, along with senior European officials, survivors, and family members of victims from across Europe, attended the ceremony to show solidarity and support.
European Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson addressed the survivors directly, acknowledging the profound impact of terrorism on individuals and societies. She reassured them that they were not alone in their grief and suffering.
Prime Minister Sánchez drew parallels between the Madrid attacks and other acts of terrorism in cities like New York, London, and Paris. He highlighted the lasting trauma caused by the extreme violence witnessed during the bombings, emphasizing that the memories would never fade. Photo by Kippelboy, Wikimedia commons.