Trial opens for Vox councilwoman accused of hate crime

The Vox councilwoman in València City Council faces a prison sentence for messages targeting immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.

Generic image of a judge's gavel on legal documents.
IA

Generic image of a judge's gavel on legal documents.

The Court of First Instance in València has opened oral proceedings against Cecilia Herrero, a Vox councilwoman in València City Council, for a hate crime following statements posted on the social network X.

The prosecution will seek a sentence of three years in prison and disqualification from public office for Herrero. The charges stem from the dissemination of hate messages targeting immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities between 2020 and 2024.
Among the messages Herrero allegedly shared are statements such as: “They are neither migrants nor immigrants. They are invaders”; “The Moors are invading us,” and “So much reconquest only to end up paying for the invasion by the Moors.”
The initial complaint was filed by Compromís in 2024, with the PSPV joining later. Herrero is required to appear before the court within three days, accompanied by her lawyer and solicitor.