Mossos d'Esquadra officers have arrested a 24-year-old man in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, for allegedly assaulting a 58-year-old homeless man in Rubí. The incident, which took place on 3 May 2025, is being investigated as a hate crime motivated by aporophobia, or the hatred of poor people, according to a police statement.
The victim was charging his mobile phone at a food shop in Rubí when the attacker verbally abused him before delivering a powerful punch to the face. The blow left the man dazed on the ground. The assailant then fled the scene in a vehicle, leaving the victim without assistance.
Witnesses helped the injured man, who was later taken by ambulance to a medical centre for treatment. The police investigation, led by the Central Unit for Hate Crimes and Discrimination (UCDOD), focused on a crime against fundamental rights and public liberties.
Judicial Proceedings
The investigation concluded that the aggression was specifically driven by aporophobia. The arrest was made on 28 April, and the suspect appeared before the Rubí Court on 29 April.
