Synopsis

The Spanish election campaign was in full swing when, on the morning of March 11, 2004, eleven backpack bombs detonated on packed commuter trains between Alcalá de Henares and Atocha in Madrid. Prime Minister Aznar immediately blamed the ETA. However, two days later, a group of Moroccans were arrested, accused of involvement in the attacks, which were alleged to be an act of retaliation for Spain's presence in Iraq. Across Spain, millions took to the streets demanding an explanation from Aznar.