Spain

The Holy See, the Observatory for Freedom of Religion and Conscience (Spain) and the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe reported two bomb attacks against churches motivated by anti-religious bias. In one case, the explosive device was discovered and deactivated; in the other case, it detonated inside the church, causing material damage. Spanish authorities reported back that perpetrators were not found in the first incident and that the perpetrators in the second incident were being tried on terrorism charges and that the crime was in part motivated by anti-religious bias.

The Movement Against Intolerance reported one incident of physical assault resulting in serious injury against a 14-year-old Hindu boy by a group shouting fascist and Nazi slogans. The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians, the Observatory for Freedom of Religion and Conscience (Spain), World Without Nazism and the Holy See reported one attempted bombing and one bombing in a basilica. Both Observatories also reported one additional bomb that was mailed to a church official and wounded a postal worker, one case of arson and the desecration of one church. The Observatory for Freedom of Religion and Conscience (Spain) also reported one threat to a Bishops Conference and one incident of graffiti on a church.

The Union of Islamic Communities of Spain reported one physical assault, during which a woman was pushed onto the railways tracks at a train station, one attempted assault in a mosque in which a machete was used, one arson attack against a halal butcher and one incident of graffiti on a mosque. Pro Igual reported one case of graffiti on a mosque.

The State Federation of Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual People reported 35 physical assaults, four of which resulted in serious injuries, two incidents of damage to property and 19 cases of threats. The Movement Against Intolerance reported two physical assaults, including one carried out by a group. Pro Igual reported one physical assault resulting in serious injury against a gay couple who were hospitalized.

The Cabinet for Social Studies reported a series of incidents of damage to property, during which the tires of vans owned by Roma people were slashed; the Movement Against Intolerance reported one physical assault carried out by a group against a couple.

The Movement Against Intolerance reported two physical assaults resulting in serious injuries, both carried out by groups. In one case, a Moroccan man was hit with a bottle in the face and head. Pro Igual reported two physical assaults resulting in serious injuries carried out by groups, one against an Arab man, who was beaten with a glass bottle, and one against an Indian boy, who was hospitalized as a result of the attack. The Cabinet for Social Studies reported one physical assault against an Indian boy in Barcelona.

World Without Nazism reported four incidents of graffiti, including on the home of a Jewish family.

The Reggae Against Intolerance initiative was set up by the Movement Against Intolerance and Rototom Sunsplash, and supported by the Youth Institute of Spain (INJUVE). It aims to increase young people’s awareness about racism, xenophobia and related intolerance through reggae and took place in about 3,000 schools.