Debate has once again flared up in Catalonia over the methods used by local law enforcement to disperse mass gatherings. After police officers used pepper spray several times at recent rallies, a heated polemic has erupted among the public and politicians. The issue became particularly acute following incidents in Barcelona and Manresa, where protesters expressed support for the Palestinian movement.
In recent weeks, police have resorted to irritant gas on three occasions, sparking a wave of criticism from various political parties and human rights organizations. Representatives of left-wing movements and activists are demanding explanations from the head of the Interior Department and the police leadership. They are concerned that such measures are becoming routine rather than an exception.
Previously, pepper spray was used only rarely, but the situation has changed in recent times. Authorities claim that this tool is less harmful than batons or other special equipment. Nevertheless, human rights advocates insist that the use of gas should be strictly regulated and every incident carefully investigated. According to their data, dozens of people received medical assistance after street clashes in Barcelona.
Technically, pepper spray has been permitted for use since 2013, but for a long time, its application remained in question due to political risks. In the past, press secretaries were even dismissed for making unsuccessful statements on this topic. Now, under new leadership, the situation is changing—the police are gaining greater freedom in choosing means to disperse crowds.
At the same time, activists note that police officers do not always issue warnings before using gas and often do not wear identification badges. This makes it difficult to identify them and to investigate possible violations afterward. In response to criticism, some parties are demanding the publication of internal guidelines on the use of special equipment, so the public can oversee law enforcement actions.
The issue of transparency and accountability remains unresolved. Human rights organizations insist on an independent review of recent incidents and a revision of existing protocols. They also point out that the number of officers concealing their identification numbers is increasing, which raises additional concerns about accountability for actions at protests.
