Homophobic Attackers in Madrid Carve Antigay Slur Into Victim's Butt

Police in Madrid are investigating a homophobic assault on a man who says eight people attacked him in the doorway of his home, cut his lip with a razor, and carved the word "faggot" into his buttock.

The attack occurred around 5 p.m. Sunday in the center of the city, Spanish-language outlet El Diario reports. The hooded assailants also called the 20-year-old victim "disgusting," "shit eater," and more, and one even referred to the Antichrist. A special unit focused on terrorism has joined local police in the investigation.

The crime follows the killing of gay man Samuel Luiz in the city of A Coruna in northwestern Spain. Luiz was beaten by a mob of people outside a nightclub in July, and he died of his injuries at a hospital shortly after the assault. Three people have been arrested. There have been other homophobic attacks in the country recently as well.

Spanish leaders have condemned the rash of anti-LGBTQ+ violence. "Hate has no place in our society," President Pedro Sanchez tweeted. Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida said the city must be free of "homophobic, sexist violence." Sanchez will preside over a meeting of a national commission on hate crimes Friday. Officials have said the circulation of anti-LGBTQ+ messages on social media may have played a role in the recent attacks.

LGBTQ+ groups are planning a protest in Madrid for Saturday. The demonstration will be held at 7 p.m. in the city's central square. Protests also followed the death of Luiz.