Protest called to condemn homophobic attack on LGBTI center

There has been a swift response to this weekend's attack against the LGBTI center in Barcelona, with a protest called for Monday evening and the city council announcing its intention to report the incident to the prosecution service that deals with hate crimes.

On Saturday night, when the police arrived at the center on 22 Borrell street after being alerted by neighbours, they found that the building's main windows had been broken and its facade covered in graffiti that included death threats and fascist symbols.

The attack sparked dozens of local people into action, who stuck notes on the center with messages of support for the gay community and others condemning the incident, while the LGTBI.Cat platform called a protest outside the building for 6.30pm on Monday.

City is "proud of its diversity," says councillor

Barcelona city council announced on Sunday that it will report the hate crime. "This is not just an act of vandalism, but a serious issue that we want to report to the prosecutor because this is a city that proudly celebrates its diversity," said councillor Laura Pérez.