Open Arms Defends Its Mission Amidst Political Attacks from Vox Leader Santiago Abascal

In a recent confrontation with Santiago Abascal, the leader of the Vox party, humanitarian organization Open Arms has staunchly defended its mission to rescue migrants at sea. Following Abascal's inflammatory suggestion to sink the NGO's rescue boat, Open Arms took to Instagram to voice its pride in being targeted by critics, asserting that 'being attacked by the enemies of the world is a medal.' The organization emphasized its commitment to continue its crucial work despite the hostility directed at them. Accompanying their powerful message, Open Arms posted a series of images showcasing the resilience of their rescue operation. One particularly pointed image featured a statement against Abascal's recent accusations, asserting, 'Accusing us of being slave traders is an insult to the truth and a disgrace.' The organization highlighted its track record of saving over 700,000 lives, conveying a message of determination with the words 'Unsinkable' and underscoring their role as dedicated rescuers. Minister of Presidency, Félix Bolaños, weighed in on the deteriorating discourse surrounding migration and humanitarian aid, labeling the rhetoric used by Abascal as 'verbal violence.' He warned that such hate speech could escalate into justification for physical violence. Bolaños cautioned that attacks on organizations like Open Arms today could foreshadow broader assaults on any dissenting voices in the future, urging the Partido Popular (PP) to publicly condemn the xenophobia emanating from Vox. In a swift rebuttal to Bolaños, Abascal maintained his stance, declaring, 'We need to sink those traffickers' boats and sink your treacherous policies,' framing his rhetoric as a defense against what he calls an 'Islamic invasion.' The exchange between the two political figures underscores a troubling trend of escalating tensions regarding the treatment of migrants and the role of NGOs in humanitarian efforts. As Open Arms continues to operate in the face of adversity, their assertion that 'our boats are strong but our spirit is unsinkable' resonates as a testament to their unwavering dedication to saving lives amidst mounting political opposition. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2