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Date Published: 31/08/2023

Activists call for dwarf bullfighting ban at Murcia September Fair

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The “cruel” dwarf comedy show is due to take place in Murcia on September 16

Activists call for dwarf bullfighting ban at Murcia September Fair

The Franz Weber Foundation (FFW) "remains determined to paralyse the bullfighting event for people with achondroplasia scheduled for next September 16 in the Murcia bullring” and has now called on acting regional president Fernando López Miras to ban the show after previous pleas fell on deaf ears.

A little over a month ago, the activists lodged their concerns with the Region of Murcia’s Prosecutor’s Office and their protests were joined by other human rights groups.

However, the comedy act is still scheduled to form a central part of Murcia’s September Fair despite the fact that the Spanish Congress of Deputies, approved a law back in April prohibiting shows that mock or denigrate people with disabilities.

In a statement this week, the FFW said it expects López Miras to block “these degrading shows and mediate before the councils so that the rejection is forceful, legal and beneficial for a population group that does not want to continue being associated with cruel mockery”.

While it’s ultimately up to the Culture Department of the regional government to authorise or deny the 'Popeye bullfighter and his sailor dwarfs' event, the activists have also appealed to the Murcia City Council, the Ministry of Social Rights and the General Directorate of People with Disabilities.

"The General Law on the Rights of People with Disabilities contains an additional provision that vetoes any bullfighting show in which mockery, ridicule or humiliating content is produced for people with functional diversity,” the group stressed, adding that "the regular presence of minors as spectators reinforces negative stereotypes about people with achondroplasia”.

Dwarf bullfighting is dwindling in popularity across Spain and in recent weeks the Junta de Andalucia denied permission for a similar event to be held in Cortes de la Frontera in Malaga. Earlier in the summer, the government in Extremadura cancelled another show.

However, without fail, every time a controversy arises over an event such as this one, the participants themselves vociferously defend the shows, denying that the bullfights belittle them and insisting that they feel respected in their work.

In other news: Violent storms and hail showers could hit this weekend: Murcia weather forecast Aug 31-Sept 3

Image: Popeye Torero on Instagram

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