National Police agents have arrested five youths in Valencia, aged between 16 and 18, as alleged perpetrators of hate crimes and robbery with violence and intimidation. The incidents occurred in the old Turia riverbed, where the youths allegedly insulted, harassed, and attempted to steal personal belongings from several men, based on their sexual orientation.

The events took place on Wednesday, June 10th, around 1:30 AM. Plainclothes officers observed a nervous man asking for help, and he pointed out the group of youths. Upon realizing the police presence, the suspects fled, some on electric scooters, ignoring police instructions. Finally, five of them were intercepted and arrested.

Investigators learned that shortly before, the first victim was approached by a group of youths dressed in dark clothing, some with their faces covered. They verbally abused, intimidated, and demanded money and a bag from him, referencing his sexual orientation.

The agents became aware that at least two other men had allegedly been victims of the same group that night, receiving insults for their sexual orientation and allegedly being sprayed with pepper spray, although they did not suffer injuries. They also attempted to steal their mobile phones.

Consequently, the five youths, two of them minors, were arrested for hate crimes and robbery with violence and intimidation. The arrestees have been released provisionally, warned to appear before the judicial authority when summoned. The minors were handed over to their parents.

The National Police maintain a prevention operation in the Turia riverbed to combat these types of crimes, an operation that led to the swift arrest of the alleged perpetrators.

The National Police reminds the public that hostility based on race, sexual orientation, identity, religion, beliefs, or disability constitutes a hate crime and recommends reporting such incidents, providing all possible details about the perpetrator.