Barcelona prosecutor seeks prison for hate crime allegations

A prosecutor in Barcelona is seeking a two-year prison sentence for a man accused of committing a hate crime against four Moroccan women. The incident allegedly occurred on April 21, 2024, on a Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya train.

According to the indictment, the accused targeted the women because they were wearing hijabs, which the prosecution describes as a public manifestation of religious freedom. The man reportedly used derogatory language regarding their nationality and religious attire, telling them they were “rats” and lacked legal papers. The prosecutor, Marta Glória López Catalá, argues the actions constituted a crime against fundamental rights and public liberties, alongside multiple offenses against moral integrity and threats.

The prosecution is also requesting more than 15,000 euros in compensation for the victims. The Audiència de Barcelona is scheduled to trial the accused this Thursday.