Three people were arrested by the Spanish police over the killing of a 24-year-old gay male.
What We Know:
- Samuel Luiz, a nursing assistant, was beaten to death outside of a club in A Coruña on Saturday. Two of Luiz’s friends, Lina and Vanesa, told reporters that Luiz was outside on a video call when two men and one woman attacked him. The three individuals thought Luiz was taking a video of them, and though he and his friends told them he was on a call, one of the individuals began to shout homophobic slurs towards him.
- Vanesa, who was on the video call with Luiz, stated that the video went dark, but she could still make out the audio. She heard one of the men yell, “either stop recording, or I’ll kill you, fag.” Although she couldn’t make out what was happening, she heard Luiz getting beaten up and Lina yelling to leave him alone. The man eventually stopped, leaving Luiz bruised but alive. He then returned with about 12 others to kick and punch Luiz. Despite emergency services efforts, Luiz later died at the hospital.
- The killing of Luiz has prompted protests all over Spain, in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Zaragoza, and A Coruña. Members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies protested for the arrest of those connected to Luiz’s murder and for protection from LGBTQ+ violence in the area. Many were seen holding signs that said “Justice for Samuel” and rainbow flags with black ribbons on them.
- Jose Minones, the government’s chief delegate over the area where Luiz was killed, stated in an interview that the incident being ruled a hate crime is not off the table. Minones stated that the investigation is ongoing and that the judge over the case will ultimately decide how to classify this heinous attack.
- Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called Luiz’s murder a “savage and depraved act.” He has faith in the country’s justice system that all those involved in Luiz’s murder will be captured. Spain has made some efforts to protect the rights of those in the LGBTQ+ community, and Sánchez said he would not tolerate the country moving backward. He showcased his solidarity with those protesting via Twitter.
Solidaridad desde Puerto Rico a España.
Nos unimos al reclamo mundial: #JusticiaPorSamuel 🏳️🌈 pic.twitter.com/m6NzrlUpdY
— Pedro Julio Serrano (@PedroJulio) July 6, 2021
- Homophobic attacks have increased over the past few years in many European countries. Two male doctors were attacked in Hungary for kissing in the club. Their attack came weeks after the country decided on an anti-LGBTQ+ law that removed all “educational materials in schools or content on children’s TV that displays diversion from one’s biological sex, change of gender, or portrays homosexuality.”
- A lesbian couple on a London bus was left bruised and covered in blood after being attacked by teenagers. The group harassed the couple, trying to force them to kiss, and beat them up. This attack resulted in the arrest of five teens between the ages of 15 and 18.
Social rights minister Ione Belarra said she stood with the LGBTQ+ community and voiced that everyone should be free to be who they are. Minones claimed that future arrests may be made as police are still going through footage from security cameras and cell phones, as well as witness statements.
