Mallorca protest: court seeks officer over baton claim

Mallorca protest: A court in Palma, Mallorca, orders Spain’s National Police to identify an officer after a photographer says he was hit on the head with a baton. The freelance photographer says it happened as he covered a demonstration against overtourism on 26 July, organised by Menys Turisme, Més Vida. He has filed a complaint, and police are to send the court the information they have.

The court’s order was reported on Thursday, 22 October. It moves the investigation into the alleged assault forward.

The photographer’s account

The photographer says his camera and mobile phone were clearly visible. In his complaint, he describes an earlier police charge after which officers began to pull back. He says he was hurt during a second push by officers from the National Police’s Police Intervention Unit.

He says he took out his camera and phone to record what was happening and stood behind a bin for protection. That was when, he alleges, an officer struck his head with a baton. He says he had thrown nothing, made no threat and acted in no aggressive way towards the officers.

Evidence submitted to the court

The photographer has submitted images and video, photographs of his injuries and a medical report. He argues that the incident could involve offences concerning injury, moral integrity and the exercise of civic rights.

Menys Turisme, Més Vida offered him legal help and has expressed its support. He chose to pursue the case himself, saying he was at the demonstration as a photographer, not a protester.

Topics: Court cases · Police · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com