# Hate crime trends and prosecutions in Barcelona > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hate-crime-trends-and-prosecutions-in-barcelona > Updated: 2026-11-01T17:58:04.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. The Barcelona Prosecutor's Office has reported a significant increase in hate crimes, specifically noting an approximately 80% rise in Islamophobia. Marta Gloria López Catalá, the delegated prosecutor for hate and discrimination crimes, attributed this trend to growing social tension. This period marks the first year Islamophobia has been categorized as a specific motive, rather than being grouped under religious, ethnic, or national origin discrimination. Prosecutors noted that 99% of hate speech is disseminated via the internet and social media, often through anonymous users or individuals in influential political or religious positions. In a specific legal proceeding, a prosecutor 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 a train in April 2024, where the accused reportedly used derogatory language regarding the women's nationality and hijabs. The prosecution argues these actions constituted a crime against fundamental rights and public liberties, and is requesting more than 15,000 euros in compensation for the victims. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-01: Barcelona prosecutor seeks prison for hate crime allegations A Barcelona prosecutor is requesting a two-year prison sentence for a man accused of insulting and harassing four Moroccan women on a train due to their religion and origin. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/barcelona-prosecutor-seeks-prison-for-hate-crime-allegations ### 2026-10-29: Barcelona prosecutors report 80% rise in Islamophobia Barcelona prosecutors report an 80% increase in Islamophobia, which has become the primary motive for hate speech investigations in the region, largely driven by online activity. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/barcelona-doctor-under-investigation-for-alleged-linguistic-discrimination --- Cite as: Hate crime trends and prosecutions in Barcelona. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hate-crime-trends-and-prosecutions-in-barcelona