A judge has ordered the arrest of the alleged organiser of a controversial party in Torremolinos that sparked national outrage after its promotional material appeared to ban gay people from attending.
The investigating court in Torremolinos has issued a search and arrest warrant after the Moroccan suspect reportedly became untraceable while judicial proceedings were ongoing.
According to judicial sources, officers need to carry out a number of procedural steps with the accused, but his whereabouts are currently unknown.
The Policia Nacional have been tasked with locating and arresting him, with alerts also circulated to the Guardia Civil and local police forces.
The case centres on a party advertised in January 2025 that featured a list of supposed entry rules stating: ‘No fighting, drugs, flip-flops, fa***ts.’
Prosecutors argue that the wording amounted to discrimination based on sexual orientation and constituted a serious shaming of members of the LGBT community.
According to the prosecution’s indictment, the advertisement was shared on social media and explicitly listed the conditions for entry to the event.
The Malaga Hate Crimes and Discrimination Prosecutor’s Office alleges that the message rejected homosexual people as a group and even appeared to place homosexuality alongside prohibited behaviour such as drug use.
Prosecutors claim the widespread circulation of the advert on social media significantly increased its impact and amplified the offence caused to LGBT people.
The suspect, a Moroccan national, is also accused of further distributing the message across multiple online platforms, increasing its reach and fuelling public backlash.
The controversy prompted widespread condemnation from LGBT organisations and local residents, while demonstrations were also directed at Torremolinos mayor Margarita del Cid after she publicly denounced the event.
According to prosecutors, the accused later responded to a private message from the mayor with insulting remarks and threats to move the event elsewhere.
The party ultimately never took place following opposition from Torremolinos Town Hall and intense public criticism.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a two-year prison sentence for an alleged hate crime. The accused also faces charges of insulting a public authority and attempted refusal of service.
In addition to the prison term, prosecutors are requesting a ban on promoting public events for the same period, a financial penalty equivalent to 19 months of fines, and a separate disqualification from educational, commercial and professional activities for five years and nine months.
For now, the arrest warrant remains active while police attempt to locate the suspect and bring him before the court.
