- The National Police has arrested a man in Palma who threatened a group of people on Manacor street with metal bars and sticks.
- During the attack, he uttered homophobic and transphobic insults and death threats against the victims.
- He is charged with a crime of threats and a hate crime.
An alleged hate crime in Palma has ended with a man being arrested. In the early morning, on Manacor street, he threatened a group of people with metal bars and sticks, directing homophobic and transphobic insults at them. The National Police located him hiding between cars and arrested him for threats and hate crime.
What happened on Manacor street?
A man threatened and threw punches in the air at a group of people because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, according to information provided by the National Police. The events occurred in the early morning on Manacor street in Palma. Sources differ on the number of victims: Europa Press reports five people and Última Hora reports four.
According to local media, the aggressor started a discussion with the group carrying a large metal bar. He began to insult and threaten them for reasons related, presumably, to their sexual orientation.
He then left but returned with two wooden sticks. He continued with the death threats and homophobic and transphobic insults, while making gestures and throwing punches in the air at the victims.
How the National Police acted
Several calls to 091 alerting of a possible brawl mobilized patrols from the Citizen Attention Group (GAC) of the National Police. Upon arrival, the agents identified the alleged perpetrator thanks to information from witnesses.
They found him crouched between several vehicles, trying to go unnoticed. When they approached, he maintained a “totally threatening and belligerent” attitude towards the agents, who had to subdue him.
After the arrest, he was taken to police facilities for the corresponding procedures. He is charged with a crime of threats and a hate crime.
Why is it being investigated as a hate crime?
It is being investigated as a hate crime because, according to the police, the threats and insults were directed against the victims because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The discriminatory motivation is what distinguishes this crime from common threats. That is why the case is processed through both channels: threats and hate.
This type of incident reminds us that LGBTIfobia in public spaces is still present on the streets of our cities. It often happens at night and in leisure areas, when victims are more exposed.
The importance of calling 091
In this case, the calls from those who witnessed the scene to 091 were key for the police to arrive on time and arrest the alleged aggressor. In the event of an LGBTIfobic aggression or threat, notifying emergency services and keeping witness information can make a difference in the investigation.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the LGBTIfobic aggression occur in Palma?
On Manacor street in Palma (Mallorca), in the early morning.
What crimes is the detainee accused of?
Of a crime of threats and a hate crime, according to the National Police.
What weapons did the aggressor carry?
A metal bar and, upon returning to the scene, two wooden sticks.
How many people were threatened?
A group of four or five people, according to the source: Última Hora reports four and Europa Press reports five.
