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Father of Barcelona attack victim embraces Imam in show of unity

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BBC/Screengrab

This is the emotional moment when the father of the youngest victim of the Barcelona terror attacks embraced an Imam in an overwhelming act of solidarity.

Xavi Martinez was just three-years-old when he died as a result of the injuries he sustained following the attack in Barcelona last week.

A van drove at high speed into pedestrians on Las Ramblas, one of the busiest streets in the Catalonian city.

15 people were killed and 120 injured during the attack, including seven-year-old Brit Julian Cadman.

Xavi and his family were visiting family in Barcelona. His great uncle, Francisco Lopez Rodriguez also died after being caught up in the attack.

His father, Javier displayed a courageous show of unity with Imam Driss Salym, with both shedding tears. The gesture was greeted with warm applause from the crowd present.

Afterwards Javier gave a speech condemning fear and showing his support for the Muslim community.

Thank you all. I love to see that the Rambla is full again. There is no place for fear or rancour.

I need to hug a Muslim. These people should not have fear.

HT BBC Evening Standard Daily Sabah

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