Cases of discrimination due to Islamophobia increased by 80% in Barcelona in 2025, according to Marta Gloria López Catalá, the delegated prosecutor for hate crimes in Barcelona. The term refers to aversion towards Muslim people, not rejection of Islam as a religion. This surge has made Islamophobia the third most common ground for hate crimes in the city, behind only sexual orientation and nationality. The latest report from the Barcelona Prosecutor's Office identified 27 cases of Islamophobia in 2025, surpassing incidents based on ideological motives (18), racism (13), and disability intolerance (nine). In comparison, antisemitism led to just one investigation in the same period.

Online Abuse Dominates

Marta Gloria López stated that 99% of Islamophobia-related offences were committed via social media. The regional police, the Mossos d'Esquadra, play a crucial role in identifying perpetrators, but investigations are often hampered when user identities cannot be traced. In such cases, judicial authorities must issue international letters rogatory to request data from technology platforms, a process that significantly reduces the likelihood of successful prosecution. Investigators often rely on indirect clues, such as follower patterns or links to political groups, to build cases.

The increase is due to social tension, and nearly all of it happens online.

In 2025, the Prosecutor's Office opened nine investigative proceedings for incitement to hatred due to Islamophobia, a crime defined under Article 510.1 of Spain’s Penal Code. Seven cases were archived during the year, though not necessarily those initiated in 2025, one formal complaint was filed, and one indictment was submitted. An additional investigation was launched under Article 510.2 for injury to dignity, with five indictments issued. Judges delivered one conviction. Under Article 510.1, incitement to hatred based on religion, belief, or ethnic origin carries a penalty of one to four years in prison and a fine of six to twelve months. Article 510.2, covering serious humiliation or contempt on religious grounds, imposes sentences of six months to two years plus a similar fine. More trials related to Islamophobia are scheduled for 2026.

Reporting Hate Crimes

Residents who experience or witness hate-motivated incidents are urged to report them immediately to the Mossos d'Esquadra or by calling 112. While some crimes can be reported online via the Mossos website, violent crimes or those where the perpetrator is known require an in-person statement at a police station within 72 hours.

Sources: El Periódico, Generalitat de Catalunya.