There are laws that allow police violence to continue without being properly punished, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and human rights violations
PAU PEREZ | Clinical Director of the Sira Center
The next event will be held on June 26th. World Day Against Torture, a significant date to reflect on the progress and challenges in the fight against ill-treatment and torture global level. These days, it's impossible not to think about the numerous cases of police brutality that occurred during last year We have documented and investigated cases in Sira that are protected by a set of laws whose democratic legitimacy is highly questionable. These laws allow police violence to continue with impunity, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and human rights violations.
We frequently receive testimonies from people who, after suffering police violence, are accused of attempt or resistance against authority. These accusations are often accompanied by fictitious or trivial injury reports, or even reports prepared by healthcare professionals who share an administrative position with the police force. Furthermore, the legislation that everyone denounces but no one repeals..., the Gag Law, It establishes that the official's version always takes precedence over that of the victim, even when expert evidence contradicts the official version. This bias institutionalizes impunity and hinders access to justice for victims of police abuse.
”"The implementation of this mechanism can mark a turning point in the relationship between the community and the Security Forces.".
This year, we also provided comprehensive support to the victims of police infiltration, cases in which all limits are crossed deontological professionals, by using affective relationships as a means of approaching (and fracturing) those who are part of social movements. These infiltrations not only violate the privacy and the rights of individuals, but should be a source of shame for the State.
It is particularly astonishing lack of political will to implement the reforms promised during the election campaign. In this context, we welcome with hope the proposal to create a Independent police oversight mechanism, promoted by the Center for the Defense of Human Rights, Iridia . This initiative not only opens a constructive space for collaboration, but also establishes standards of transparency and respect for human rights that should be the norm in any democratic society. In fact, it is an international recommendation that various United Nations and Council of Europe bodies have sent to all Spanish state institutions. The implementation of this mechanism could mark a turning point in the relationship between the community and the Security Forces, fostering greater trust and mutual cooperation.
”"It is crucial that those in technical and political decision-making positions accept the challenge of promoting change.".
At a time when the United Nations is establishing new standards for police interrogation – respectful of human rights – it is essential that we discuss the urgent need for legislative reforms and changes in police practices, as well as the effective implementation of citizen oversight mechanisms that guarantee respect for human rights. It is crucial that those in technical and political decision-making positions accept the challenge of promoting change.
”"These days, it is impossible not to think about the numerous cases of police mistreatment that we have documented and investigated in Sira over the past year, which are protected by a set of laws whose democratic legitimacy is highly questionable.".
Pau Pérez
Clinical Director of the Sira Center