The Barcelona Provincial Court has ordered the reopening of the investigation into an intentional fire at the Piera mosque, which occurred in the early hours of 12 July 2025. This significant judicial decision overturns an earlier ruling by the Igualada Court of First Instance to archive the case.
Judicial Reversal and New Evidence
The court's decision partially upholds an appeal filed by the private prosecution. The Piera-Masjid Arrahmnan Islamic Community, represented by lawyer Benet Salellas, brought this appeal. The community sought further investigation into the incident.
Catalan police, the Mossos d'Esquadra, will now request specific data. They will ask mobile phone operators for a list of phones connected near the mosque. This data covers the precise time frame when the fire happened. This new evidence could provide critical leads.
The Piera Mosque Incident
The incident took place around 03:30 on a Saturday. Piera Local Police received an alert about a fire at the mosque. The building is located on Bedorc Road in Piera.
Police immediately notified the Mossos d'Esquadra and the Catalan Fire Service (Bombers de la Generalitat). Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene. They found flames at one of the entrances to the place of worship. The fire then spread throughout the building.
No one was inside the mosque during the fire. No personal injuries were recorded. However, the building suffered severe damage. It was due to open in just a few weeks.
Community Impact and Response
Following the incident, several Muslim federations in Catalonia issued a joint statement. They stated the fire aimed to "fracture coexistence and social cohesion in the municipality." They also asserted these acts sought to "break social peace." Additionally, they aimed to "harm the spirit of understanding that has always characterised the town of Piera."
Piera is a municipality in the Anoia comarca, west of Barcelona. It has a population of over 17,000 residents. The mosque was a new community centre for the local Muslim population. Incidents targeting religious sites can cause significant concern. They affect social harmony and community relations.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Reopening this investigation shows the justice system's commitment. It seeks to identify those responsible for such acts. The Mossos d'Esquadra will now proceed with the data request. This new evidence could provide critical leads. The Piera-Masjid Arrahmnan Islamic Community awaits further developments. They hope for justice and a resolution to this case.
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Originally published by 20 Minutos Barcelona. Read original article.
