Víctor Sáez, PSOE councilor in Lorquí, denounces a brutal attack in a restaurant in Murcia after being insulted for his sexual orientation. The attack occurs in the middle of Bando de la Huerta, a traditional festival.
@abc.es The councilor for Youth, Celebrations, Tourism and LGTBIQ+ Rights of the Lorquí City Council, in Murcia, the socialist Víctor Sáez, has been the victim of hom0f0b4 aggression during the Bando de la Huerta, according to what he himself said on his social networks. The events occurred in a Kebab establishment in the regional capital that according to his story he used to frequent and in which, he has stated, the owner and the waiters shouted at him, among other things, ‘m4r1c0n de m13rd4’, in addition to p3g4rl3. #Murcia #bando #councilman #PSOE #kebab ♬ original sound – Your newspaper
Last Tuesday, during the celebration of the Bando de la Huerta in Murcia, the socialist councilor Víctor Sáez – responsible for Youth, Celebrations, Tourism and LGTBIQ+ Rights in the Lorquí City Council – was the victim of a homophobic attack in a fast food establishment located in the university area of the city. According to the mayor’s own account, shared on his social networks, he received insults such as “fucking faggot”, death threats and a beating that included punches and kicks by the establishment’s staff.
Last night in a takeaway establishment and I dare to say the name, because I don’t care: “Kebab La Merced 24 h” on the corner of Calle Trinidad and Calle Obispo Frutos, in Murcia, I suffered a homophobic attack by the owner and waiters of the establishment, when…
— Mr. Sáez (@victortin) April 23, 2025
Sáez says that the events began when he and his group of friends entered the premises for dinner. Feeling ridiculed by the workers, she asked for the complaint form. That was when—according to the complaint—the physical and verbal attacks began. “I received insults, death threats and physical assault for the simple fact of being who I am,” he wrote. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of not remaining silent in the face of these types of attacks: “Our rights are not begged for: they are demanded. Enough of hatred, violence and looking the other way.”
Political and social reactions
From the regional PSOE, several voices have expressed their condemnation. Francisco Lucas, general secretary of the Murcian socialists, described the attack as “regrettable” and “unjustifiable”, while Pedro Soto, LGTBIQ+ secretary of the party in the Region, directly targeted the regional government. Soto accused the Murcian executive of putting LGTBIQ+ people at risk by giving in to political pressure from Vox and converting the rights of the group into bargaining chips in budget negotiations.
How horrible… this is absolutely intolerable!
Much encouragement, Victor. I hope that the full weight of the law falls on these disgraces.
Homophobia has no place in our society. https://t.co/7YMCesJnoG
— Víctor Gutiérrez (@victorg91) April 24, 2025
Our resounding condemnation of the homophobic aggression that our colleague and councilor, Victor Sáez, has suffered.
We continue fighting so that LGTBIphobia is completely eradicated from our society.
You are not alone, they will have us in front of them. ✊🏻 https://t.co/c5xfF82Gcy
— JSRM/❤️ (@jsrmurcia) April 24, 2025
A reality that never ceases
This aggression adds to a worrying trend: the increase in hate crimes, especially those motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity. Far from being isolated cases, these events reflect a structural violence that continues, even when people often want to deny it. Are we doing enough to stop these speeches? What responsibility do institutions and parties have in this social climate?
A society that goes backwards?
Despite the legislative advances in terms of LGTBIQ+ rights, there are still social and political sectors that question these achievements or directly threaten them. Hate speech is no longer limited to the margins, but sometimes finds echo in spaces of power. When rights are relativized or put up for negotiation, a dangerous door opens that can lead to more aggression, exclusion and fear.
