Train operation opens investigation over 'racist' attack by security guards
Spanish rail operator has suspended officers filmed at Plaça Catalunya
Spanish train operator Renfe has opened a casefile into possible use of disproportionate force by around half a dozen security guards who appeared to beat a young man at a Barcelona station.
A video uploaded to social media by an anti-racism organization pictured several station officers pinning the man against a wall at Plaça Catalunya transport hub, and watching on while three or four of them struck multiple blows.
The force of the blows seemed such that one of the guards dropped her baton to the ground.
The charity 'Es Racisme' described the incident as "racist brutality" and "disproportionate".
An eyewitness told local press that she saw one of the guards laughing about the situation.
The man is thought to have attempted to travel without a ticket.
Renfe has condemned the behavior of the guards and has asked its security contractors to suspend the relevant employees until the investigation is resolved.
Esto acaba de pasar en la estación Plaza de Catalunya (Barcelona) decimos una cosa: la brutalidad con la que golpean todos los vigilantes de seguridad al joven tiene su razón en que es brutalidad racista. Actuavión desproporcional. Contra la pared y todos dándole con la porra. pic.twitter.com/NCS4v3bASz
— Es Racismo (@esracismosos) March 27, 2019