Council of Europe calls for an investigation into Spain’s police violence on referendum day

The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Nils Muiznieks, urged Spanish home affairs minister, José Ignacio Zoido, to investigate Spain’s police actions during the October 1 referendum. In a letter sent on October 4 to the Spanish home affairs minister, Muiznieks called for an “independent and effective” investigation into Spain’s police violence which aimed to block the independence referendum.

The Commissioner also stressed that Spanish police use of force against voters was "disproportionate" and "unnecessary" and claimed that starting an investigation into police violence on referendum day should help to prevent an "escalation of tension and violence" and to preserve confidence in civil servants.

Zoido responded to the Commissioner on October 6. The Spanish home affairs minister stated that Spain’s police action was "cautious, appropriate and proportioned in order to ensure compliance with the law and the protection of the rights and freedoms of all citizens."