The Foro de Abogacía y Democracia expanded its existing complaint on 28 August 2026 against the VoxMP José María Figaredo at the Fiscalía del Tribunal Supremo The move is based on an “escalation of violence” in Ceuta. In recent days, the organisation says, cases have been documented involving targeted intimidation, physical pursuit, destruction of belongings and arson attacks on temporary accommodation. According to those involved, the prosecution has not yet decided whether to admit the expanded complaint.
The submission argues that the word “cazar” — literally “to hunt” — repeatedly used by Figaredo about people in an irregular situation can no longer be regarded as merely a hypothetical risk, but is instead being reflected in concrete acts. In media appearances in recent days, Figaredo has defended his choice of words as a synonym for “apresar” or “detener” and said that he does not regret his remarks. The Foro de Abogacía y Democracia considers this a continuing call to action whose possible legal significance should be examined.
The organisation had already filed an initial complaint on 10 August 2026 over alleged hate crimes. Other actors had also responded earlier and in parallel: the party Compromís as well as the Ministry for Equality asked the courts to assess the MP’s statements in light of Artículo 510 of the Código Penal which criminalises, among other things, incitement to discrimination, hatred or violence. The complaints point out that high-profile political rhetoric can fuel a climate of hostility towards migrants.
The Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska referred to the recent riots in Ceuta in Congress on 28 August. He criticised the political environment that encourages such outbreaks and cited measures taken by the security forces to protect public order. According to consistent reports, the authorities are investigating racially motivated attacks in which organised groups are also alleged to have taken part; migrants and Muslim residents of the city are said to have been targeted.
It remains unclear whether the Fiscalía del Tribunal Supremo will accept the expanded allegations for a formal investigation. If proceedings are brought, it would have to be examined whether the statements in question meet the legal definition of incitement and whether a legally substantiated link can be established between political rhetoric and the documented attacks. Until the prosecution reaches a decision, the allegations remain claims made by third parties; there has been no judicial finding.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).