Activists in Spain are demanding an independent investigation into the Catholic Church's alleged sexual abuse, paralleling efforts in neighboring France, where a recent probe uncovered 218,000 victims since 1950. Despite the Episcopal Conference's denial of widespread abuse, citing only 0.8% of priests guilty since 1950, victims and experts argue that the issue is far more extensive. The article shares harrowing personal accounts from victims and criticizes the Church's lack of proactive measures to address the allegations. It also highlights the Church's recent establishment of Offices for the Protection of Minors, which critics say are insufficient without an independent investigative body. The Spanish Catholic Church has not responded to requests for comment on the allegations.

Spain's far-right party Vox has proposed legislation to deny nationality and residency to immigrants from predominantly Islamic cultures, citing recent terrorist attacks as justification. The proposal, criticized as xenophobic and unconstitutional, is unlikely to pass due to lack of majority support. Legal experts and Muslim leaders dismiss it as a political maneuver exploiting immigration and recent events for votes. Despite rising anti-immigrant rhetoric, there is confidence in Spain's legal system to prevent such discriminatory laws.

The article by Heather Galloway focuses on the dire situation in Sector VI of the Cañada Real Galiano, a shantytown near Madrid, where residents have been living without electricity since October 2, 2020. The Madrid region's commissioner, Markel Gorbea, states that the electricity supply will not return due to safety concerns and illegal connections that powered drug plantations. The EU and UN have intervened, urging the Spanish government to provide electricity and heating. The utility company Naturgy expresses solidarity but insists on legal requirements for reconnection. The area, also known as Europe's largest drug market, faces police inaction and the threat of demolition. Residents like Gemma and Angel, along with Moroccan activist Houda Akrikez, fight for their right to housing, while the authorities continue to clear the area, claiming the structures are illegal. The article paints a bleak picture of life in the Cañada Real, with residents facing cold, darkness, and the constant fear of losing their homes.

Khadija Amin, a former Afghan news anchor now living in Spain, aspires to become Afghanistan's first female president. She fled Kabul after the Taliban's takeover in 2021 and is now a vocal advocate for Afghan women's rights. Amin highlights the international community's slow response to Afghanistan's recent earthquakes and the Taliban's oppressive policies, which have exacerbated the plight of Afghan women. Despite personal challenges, including separation from her children and a mental health crisis, Amin remains determined to fight for her country's women, receiving recognition for her activism in Spain.

The Andalusi Party, led by Dris Mohamed Amar, is participating in Spain's regional elections with a platform inspired by the historical Islamic state of al-Andalus. The party, which has roots in the defunct Prune, aims to address social issues such as evictions, unemployment, and women's rights in Andalusia. It seeks to be inclusive, with a diverse membership and a focus on the region's autonomy rather than independence. Political analysts express skepticism about the party's electoral prospects, particularly due to its religious identity. The party's leaders maintain a long-term vision for their political program, emphasizing social justice and inclusion for all of Andalusia.

The article by Heather Galloway discusses how small, depopulated villages in Spain's Castilla y León region have become a refuge for Ukrainian mothers and children fleeing the war. Svetlana, a Ukrainian refugee, has found a new home in Aguilafuente with her children, thanks to the Catholic NGO Messengers of Peace and local support. The influx of refugees is seen as a potential solution to revitalize these 'empty Spain' villages, which have been suffering from depopulation. While some refugees, like Svetlana, appreciate the community and plan to stay, others like Tonia and Iryna miss their city life and plan to return to Ukraine when it's safe. The article also touches on the challenges of integration and the lack of affordable housing in these villages.