Violent Urban Gangs. Main Perpetrators in Hate Crimes

Abstract

This article will focus on the role emotions play in individuals in violent urban gangs committing hate crimes. A definition of urban gang will be provided and it will differ from the concept of urban tribe. Places where these individuals perform and act will also be explained in detail. This article will also explain signs that serve as reference within the Spanish legal context to determine whether there has been a hate crime. Questions such as “why are hate crimes not reported?” will be answered. The description of urban gangs used here does exist in our society nowadays. The use of emotions in individuals who belong to urban gangs that commit violent hate crimes will be analysed. Features found in violent urban gangs such as Skinhead will also be explained. There are two different branches in Skinhead gangs: Neonazis and Antifascists. Lastly and upon the implementation of the Framework Decision 913/2008/JAI to the Spanish penal code, an analysis on the current legislation in Spain to protect vulnerable groups as well as victims of hate crimes will be offered in detail.