Spain sets out plan to tackle rising hate crimes

FILE PHOTO: LGBTIQ activists and supporters hold signs during a protest against homophobic crimes, at Puerta del Sol square in Madrid, Spain, September 8, 2021. The signs read 'Justice!'. REUTERS/Sergio Perez

MADRID (Reuters) - Spain will create specialised groups within the Interior Ministry and the police force to prevent hate crimes and support victims, the government said on Friday, amid mounting public pressure to curb an increase in such attacks.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez chaired an urgent meeting of ministers, community leaders and police to discuss how to reduce hate crimes, which have been growing by around 9% a year since 2014, according to the Interior Ministry.