Increase in Hate Crimes Reported in Spain by 21.3% in 2023
The number of hate crimes in Spain is on the rise, with a total of 2,268 cases investigated by security forces in 2023. This marks a significant 21.3 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Racist and xenophobic speech accounted for 4 out of every 10 hate crimes, totaling 856 cases. Gender-related crimes followed closely behind with 522 cases, and ideologically motivated crimes with 352 cases.
While the majority (62.1 percent) of victims of hate crimes were Spanish citizens, Moroccans and Colombians, who have the largest immigrant populations in Spain, were the most targeted foreign nationals.
Additionally, hate crimes on social media platforms are also on the rise. According to the Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia (OBERAXE), irregular immigrants who are underage and without parents are the most targeted group on social media networks. The report highlighted that 33.7 percent of hate crimes on social media targeted irregular immigrants from North Africa, with 26.2 percent involving Islamophobic rhetoric.
OBERAXE warned that hate speech spread through social networking sites has a detrimental effect on vulnerable groups in society, leading to increased fear, resentment, and social conflict.
In response to the rise in hate crimes, Interior Minister Fernando Grande Marlaska emphasized the importance of combatting discriminatory discourses to maintain social cohesion. Minister of Participation, Social Security, and Immigration Elma Saiz reiterated the government’s commitment to taking decisive action against hate speech and promoting the integration and rights of migrants.
Furthermore, Saiz announced plans to collaborate with LaLiga, the association of Spain’s top football clubs, to combat racism in football. The government is determined to address hate crimes and create a more inclusive and tolerant society in Spain.
