Spain opens new inquiry on exiled rapper Valtònyc

A Spanish court has opened a new investigation into Josep Miquel Arenas, the Mallorcan rapper known as Valtònyc, for allegedly inciting violence against the Guardia Civil police during a concert two years ago. Exiled in Belgium since 2018, Arenas is currently fighting Spain’s extradition request for a previous case, sentencing him to 3.5 years in prison for glorifying terrorism, insulting the crown, and threats.

While Arenas was first prosecuted for his lyrics and tweets, this new inquiry handled by a court in Sevilla looks into a statement made while on stage during a concert in Marinaleda, Andalucía, shortly after he left Spain to avoid entering jail. “Kill a fucking Guardia Civil officer tonight, go to another town with guardia civil officers and kill one […]” Arenas said according to the AUGC police union (a scene that can allegedly be seen in this video).

In his defense, Arenas invoked freedom of expression and said the Guardia Civil police can’t be the victim of a hate crime. Spain’s National Court attempt to get the rapper through a European Arrest Warrant has embattled both parts in a long judicial process — one in which Valtònyc has so far had the upper hand.

The Ghent Court of Appeal was expected to decide on the rapper’s extradition on September 15, but the judge opted instead for querying Belgium’s Constitutional Court about whether Valtònyc’s case is covered by freedom of expression — a decision that could delay the final ruling another six months.