Animal rights activists who celebrate death of matador could face jail

A Spanish pro-bullfighting organisation has threatened legal action against animal rights activists who celebrate the death of 29-year-old bullfighter Victor Barrio on social media.

A professional matador, Mr Barrio was attacked by a half-tonne bull while in the ring, in scenes broadcast live on Spanish television. He was pronounced dead in hospital.

Hundreds of people joined Mr Barrio’s family and friends at his funeral, showing support for the matador, but many animal rights activists have taken to social media to express the opinion that Mr Barrio deserved to die.

Though many are likely to see these posts as harmless, anyone seen to be insulting the matador's reputation could face a 14-month prison sentence, a Spanish bullfighting group has announced.

Teaming up with law firm Cremades & Calvo-Sotelo, the Bullfighting Foundation (Fundacion Toro de Lidia) issued a statement outlining plans to take legal action against anyone who publically insults Mr Barrio’s memory, or his friends and family.

The Foundation would pursue criminal cases for "injuries against the person", which can result in a prison sentence of up to 14 months.

Lawyer Jose Miguel Soriano has said analysis of the facts shows “this is not a restriction of freedom of expression”, but simply what is required in order to enforce the law.

Public authorities and state security are working with the Foundation to identify those responsible for hateful or insulting messages.

The Foundation also called for social networking sites to enforce their already existing terms of use and community guidelines to prevent users – or the companies themselves - getting involved in any serious criminal cases.