Homophobic harassment in Santiago: the trial is set for sentencing after five years of insults to a neighbor

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• The trial against a couple from Santiago accused of homophobic harassment of their neighbor between 2015 and 2020 was held on Friday, November 6 and has been reserved for judgment.
• The victim stated that he stopped going out alone, changed his schedule, and moved in with his partner. The accused admitted to some insults, and the accused attributed everything to dog fights.
• The Prosecution maintains the accusation of hate crime and discrimination in conjunction with harassment, plus a minor offense of threats, and is requesting 6,000 euros in compensation.

The trial for homophobic harassment in Santiago has been reserved for judgment. The sixth section of the Provincial Court of A Coruña judged on Friday, November 6, a couple accused of insulting, humiliating, and threatening their neighbor for being gay between 2015 and 2020. He claims he had to move. The accused speak of a conflict over their dogs.

What was said in the trial for homophobic harassment in Santiago?

The complaining neighbor reported that everything started when he asked them to keep a dog on a leash, and since then he received insults like “faggot” or “fucking faggot”. He explained that he stopped going out alone, changed his schedule, and ended up moving in with his partner.

His ex-partner confirmed before the court the impact that the harassment had on his life. A neighbor and a friend testified that they saw the complainant injured after the dog fight on December 1, 2019, and one of the accused walking away. The experts described superficial injuries on the hands with complications, in addition to psychological sequelae that were still present in 2024.

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The version of the accused

The accused admitted to some insults that appear in a video, but said that she “fell for the provocations”. According to her version, the complainant had said “Watch out for the faggots”. She also stated: “I have nothing against this being or against the lgtbi or anything”.

The accused attributed the conflict to the bad relationship between the dogs and said that the injuries were only “scratches”.

Prosecution and defense

The Prosecution and the private accusation maintain the request for conviction for a hate crime and discrimination in conjunction with a harassment offense, plus a minor offense of threats, and a compensation of 6,000 euros for moral damages. “The aim was to denigrate him in public spaces”, the prosecutor stated.

The defense spoke of a “neighborhood conflict” and a “fictitious narrative” constructed from an isolated video. They argued that a hate crime is not proven “at all” and questioned the credibility of the complainant. The court will issue a ruling in the coming weeks. Until then, the presumption of innocence applies.

What happened between the neighbors, according to the accusation?

According to the Prosecution’s written statement, the harassment began in May 2015, when the victim moved in with his partner to a house in Santiago, and lasted until 2020. From the beginning, the neighboring couple showed a hostile attitude towards him.

The accused directed insults and derogatory expressions at him for his sexual orientation, such as “faggot”. They also threatened him with phrases like “don’t worry, one day you’ll get a good beating” or “I’m going to kick you”.

The most serious episodes

The Prosecution points out two specific moments. On December 1, 2019, one of the accused’s dog lunged at the victim’s dog. When trying to separate them, the neighbor suffered bites on both hands and fell to the ground. According to the accusation, the accused did not intervene or help him.

In July 2020, the accused showed up at the victim’s workplace to insult him in front of his colleagues and his supervisor. She also threatened to talk to his boss.

What did the accusation request?

In its written accusation, the Prosecution requested two years in prison for each member of the couple for a hate crime and discrimination in conjunction with a harassment offense, and for a minor offense of threats. Additionally, it claimed:

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• A fine of twelve months and another of two months, with a daily quota of 10 euros.
• Six years of special disqualification to work in educational, sports, and leisure professions.
• If they are convicted of harassment, prohibition of approaching within 200 meters of the victim and communicating with her for five years.
• A compensation of 6,000 euros for moral damages, to be paid jointly and severally by both, plus costs.

When hate lives in the hallway

This case shows a form of LGTBIfobia that is rarely talked about: the one that occurs at home, with the neighbor next door. It is not a one-time aggression on the street, but years of insults and threats that end up expelling a couple from their own home.

The trial has already been held and is reserved for judgment. Meanwhile, the presumption of innocence applies to both accused.

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• Homophobic harassment in Vigo: a preacher is judged
• The homophobic aggression against a councilor in Murcia

Frequently asked questions

Is there already a ruling in the case of homophobic harassment in Santiago?
Not yet. The trial was held on November 6, 2026, in the sixth section of the Provincial Court of A Coruña, based in Santiago, and has been reserved for judgment.

How long did the harassment last?
According to the Prosecution, from May 2015 to 2020.

What crimes is the couple accused of?
Of a hate crime and discrimination in conjunction with a harassment offense, and a minor offense of threats.

What do the accused allege?
The accused admitted to some insults but said she fell for provocations. The accused attributed the conflict to dog fights.