Mallorca vandalism case: women allege police pressure

Five estate agents’ offices have been vandalised in Santa Maria, Mallorca: two young women under investigation tell a court in Palma on Tuesday, 27 October, that Guardia Civil officers pressed them to admit responsibility when they were arrested.

The women appeared at their own request, accompanied by their lawyer, Josep de Luis. They were arrested on 15 July after several complaints and are suspected of criminal damage and an offence against historical heritage. After their arrest, they chose not to give statements to the Guardia Civil or the court and were released.

De Luis says the women could not speak privately to a lawyer after their arrest. They spoke over a hands-free phone with officers present, he says. He also alleges that officers pressed them to hand over clothing to help prove their involvement, threatening home searches or a longer detention if they refused.

The lawyer says possible breaches of their rights could invalidate the police action and lead to the case being dropped. He also questions security camera footage, saying the cameras capture much of the street rather than only the offices’ fronts.

Topics: Court cases · Police · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com