Spain’s king marks attack anniversary

MADRID — Victims of terror attacks are a symbol of the constant need to guard freedom and the rule of law against threats, King Felipe VI of Spain said Monday at a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of one of Europe’s deadliest extremist attacks.

“Remembering, just like justice and truth, is a commitment that cities make to terror victims, to restore and protect their dignity,” Felipe told officials attending the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism.

The annual event was held this year in Madrid. March 11 was chosen as a day of continent-wide commemoration of terrorism victims after the commuter train bombings in the Spanish capital, which were carried out by Islamic extremists on March 11, 2004, and killed 193 people.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, senior European officials and survivors and family members of victims from several European countries were present.

“Whoever witnessed that extreme demonstration of violence [in Madrid] can never forget it,” Sánchez said.