An event that moves Barcelona
In the Bon Pastor neighbourhood of Barcelona, a tragic incident has led the community to mobilise in defence of Pepe, a 66-year-old man who is wheelchair-bound and has multiple health issues. Last Sunday, Pepe was accused of killing a young thief during a robbery attempt. The situation has sparked a wave of support among the neighbours, who are demanding his provisional release.
It all began when an 18-year-old approached Pepe while he was enjoying the sun outside his home. According to accounts from witnesses and family members, the thief attempted to snatch a gold chain from around Pepe's neck. In the midst of the assault, Pepe, who always carries a small knife for everyday use, instinctively reacted and stabbed the attacker in the torso. Despite medical efforts, the young man died from the fatal wound.
The news of Pepe's arrest caused dismay among the residents of the neighbourhood. A hundred people gathered to show their support and demand justice. “Freedom for Pepe!” echoed among the supportive shouts as the man's family cried out for his release, considering it self-defence against an imminent threat.
Pepe suffers from serious illnesses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and liver cirrhosis, which further complicates his situation in prison. His wife Paqui has expressed her anguish over her husband's medical condition and has urgently requested that his oxygen machine be brought to him.
Despite Pepe's critical medical history and lack of a criminal record, the judge decided to keep him in provisional custody following a request from the Prosecutor's Office. This decision has raised questions about the real risk that a man with such physical limitations poses to society.
Iván, one of the couple's sons, expressed his frustration at the judicial decisions: “Risk of flight? My father can't even move without help.” The family hopes that during the upcoming hearings, all relevant factors will be considered to adequately assess the situation.
As the case moves towards new court hearings, both family members and neighbours anxiously await favourable outcomes. The defence lawyer plans to present reports on Pepe's physical and emotional vulnerability to argue for his provisional release.
The community is determined to fight, not only for Pepe but also for what they consider a greater injustice: being judged harshly under extreme circumstances where he acted in self-defence. Meanwhile, supportive voices continue to resonate: “It’s not murder, it’s self-defence!” are words that reflect the collective sentiment in the face of this unexpected tragedy.
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