Fights, death threats, chases, robberies, and the display of knives — and even a replica firearm — have become part of daily life in Sant Ferran, Formentera. Once a peaceful town, it now longs, above all else, to recover its former tranquillity.
Fear is being spread by a group of around five individuals who keep local shopkeepers and residents on edge with their violent behaviour. The town square — the second most populated area on the island and where the main streets converge — has become the main stage for this group’s actions. This hotspot of conflict is frequented by “between three and five men” who spend their time drinking alcohol and taking other substances before, under their effects, unleashing chaos and, above all, fear among neighbours and business owners.
Residents complain that the authorities, to whom they have repeatedly appealed for help, “do nothing”, which allows these individuals to “feel untouchable” and “walk the streets with knives, threatening people — even at eight in the morning”. Among those calling for stronger action against the group — whose members are of Moroccan origin — are representatives of Sant Ferran’s Muslim community, who express their outrage at “drunkards who damage the image of Formentera and of the Arab and Muslim community, which is otherwise perfectly integrated on the island”.
The parents’ association of Sant Ferran’s school has joined the criticism, describing some of the group’s “daily incidents” that they are forced to endure: harassing children waiting for the school bus, intimidating and insulting residents, fighting, and throwing stones at the school entrance.