Prosecutor investigates anti-LGBT, Nazi march in downtown Madrid

by Reuters
Monday, 20 September 2021 13:13 GMT

LGBTIQ+ activists and supporters demonstrate against hate crimes at Puerta del Sol square in Madrid, Spain, September 11, 2021. REUTERS/Susana Vera

Image Caption and Rights Information
The organisers of the march had told authorities it would be devoted to sustainable development rather than anti-LGBT rights

MADRID, Sept 20 (Reuters) - The Madrid prosecutor's office opened an investigation on Monday after a crowd of about 200 people sporting Nazi paraphernalia marched in the Spanish capital's gay-friendly neighbourhood of Chueca on Saturday shouting offensive anti-LGBT slogans.

The protesters shouted "Out of our neighbourhood" and "Get out of Madrid" prefaced by derogatory words for gay people, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Protesters wore T-shirts and tattoos of fascist and Nazi symbols, and some made the Nazi salute, Reuters witnesses said.

Equality Minister Irene Montero had asked for the prosecutor to investigate, calling the march "homophobic and racist".

Homophobic hate crimes have been in the headlines in Spain since a man was beaten to death in July over his sexual orientation. The government said this month it would create specialised groups within the Interior Ministry and the police force to prevent hate crimes and support victims.

The organisers of the march had told authorities it would be devoted to sustainable development.

(Reporting by Emma Pinedo, editing by Inti Landauro, Ingrid Melander and Angus MacSwan)

Openly is an initiative of the Thomson Reuters Foundation dedicated to impartial coverage of LGBT+ issues from around the world.

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Update cookies preferences