Palma photographer alleges police baton head blow

A freelance photographer has filed a complaint after he says a Spanish National Police officer hit him hard on the head with a baton while he covered Palma’s tourism-overcrowding protest on 26 July.

The photographer says he was recording the demonstration, called by Menys Turisme, Més Vida, with a camera and mobile phone clearly visible. He has taken his complaint to the Court of First Instance in Palma.

According to his account, police had already carried out one charge and were withdrawing when officers moved in again. He says he had taken out his camera and phone and sheltered behind a litter bin when an officer struck him with what appeared to be an extendable baton.

He says he threw no objects, made no threatening gesture and did not act aggressively towards officers.

The photographer has submitted photos and videos which he says support his account, along with images of his injuries and a medical report. His complaint raises possible offences of assault, harm to moral integrity and interference with civil rights.

He has asked the court to identify the officers involved in the operation, particularly the officer alleged to have delivered the blow.

Topics: Court cases · Police · Protests · Tourism · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com