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Homophobic Murder Convictions in Spain
Four men in Spain have been convicted for their role in the homophobic murder of Samuel Luiz, a 24-year-old nursing assistant. The incident sparked protests across Spain and abroad.
Diego Montaña, Alejandro Freire, and Kaio Amaral were found guilty of aggravated murder. Alejandro Míguez was convicted of complicity. A fifth person was acquitted.
Evidence showed that Montaña led the attack after assuming Luiz was gay based on his appearance and speech. He shouted homophobic slurs and made anti-gay comments to the others.
The trial lasted four weeks before the jury reached a verdict. The prosecution is seeking jail terms of 22 to 27 years.
Irene Montero, Spain’s former minister of equality, highlighted the prevalence of hate speech and its consequences. She urged society to address harmful comments that contribute to hate crimes.
Despite the convictions, hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals remain a concern in Spain. In 2023, over 360 hate crimes related to sexual orientation or gender identity were reported.