Five young men are facing serious jail time over a brutal homophobic attack against a gay couple in Sevilla.
The group, based in Catalonia, are accused of launching the assault after witnessing a couple showing each other affection at the Feria de Abril in 2024.
One of the victims suffered a fractured eye socket, bleeding in the eye and permanent facial scars measuring one and two centimetres. The other sustained a head injury during the attack.
According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the defendants, aged between 20 and 23, targeted the couple at around 7.30am.
Prosecutors claim the men shouted homophobic abuse, including: ‘Look at these faggots kissing and cuddling,’ before adding: ‘When you get home, are you going to f*** each other in the arse?’
Despite the couple ignoring the insults, the group allegedly attacked them, punching and kicking both men.
The five suspects, all from different towns in Barcelona province, were later identified and arrested following what the Policia Nacional described as a complex investigation.
The force involved specialist Violent Extremism and Hate (EVO) officers from police units in both Sevilla and Barcelona.
Investigators said the victims did not respond to the verbal abuse before the assault began.
The Public Prosecutor has charged the five men with a hate crime, two counts of causing injury, an offence against the victims’ moral integrity, and criminal damage.
In total, prosecutors are seeking 11 years and six months in prison for each defendant.
The case is due to be heard by the Seventh Section of the Provincial Court of Seville on July 14.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
