Ane Lindane to stand trial for simulating a sex act on an altar

Actress Ane Lindane to face trial over a performance on an altar

Actress and satirical monologuist Ane Miren Hernández Unda, known as Ane Lindane, is facing trial in Bilbao for simulating a sens act on the main altar of a church while saying the phrase "God is dead" in Basque. The complaint was filed by the Spanish Foundation of Christian Lawyers (Fundación Española de Abogados Cristianos), which argues that the staging constitutes the offence of religious mockery and is seeking an eight-month fine. The Court of First Instance in Bilbao has agreed to open oral proceedings, according to the foundation itself.

The jurisdictional twist that brings the case to Spain

The incident took place in a church in France, where this kind of expression is not classified as a crime. However, Abogados Cristianos argues that the distribution of the video and the associated comments were fully carried out in Spain, a point that, according to its statement, had already been backed by the Provincial Court during the investigation. This reasoning is what underpins the jurisdiction of the Spanish courts and has given impetus to the process.

A case between blasphemy and spectacle

In the analysis of the case, some believe the proceedings have little legal future and will mainly serve to amplify the performer's notoriety, as she pursues a career in acid humour and has been linked to provocative performances. The legal debate centres on whether freedom of expression protects these acts or whether, on the contrary, the incivil punishment for religious mockery should apply. The answer now rests with the oral trial, which will be held in Bilbao. For now, the only certainty is that the conflict has crossed borders: what is not a crime in France will be settled in a Spanish court.