Protestors in Spain call for removal of offensive Christ image

Madrid, Spain, Jan 20, 2012 / 16:04 pm

The civil rights group Hazteoir.org urged the mayor of Madrid to remove an offensive picture from a photo exhibit showing a Christ-like figure who is naked with a crucifix covering the genital area.

Group spokesperson Ogla Cuquerella said the photo attacks “the religious sentiments” of believers and the “right of Christians to have their symbols be respected.”

According to Europa Press, over 20,000 signatures have been sent to Mayor Ana Botella of Madrid calling for the removal of the image.

The controversial piece is titled “Inferno,” and was taken by photographer Sergio Parra for an exhibit at Madrid’s Spanish Theater. The show opened in the city on Jan. 13 and has already been targeted by numerous critics.

Similar protests occurred when the photo was put on display last year in the city of Merida, where citizens asked governor Jose Antonio Monago to intervene to have it taken down.

Cuquerella voiced hope that Mayor Botella “would be receptive to this civil petition as Jose Antonio Monago was.”