Defensor del Pueblo demands explanation from police after incident with teacher in Valencia. The Defensor del Pueblo has requested a report from the police regarding the incident involving a teacher at the protest in Valencia. Authorities have launched an investigation, and the officer's actions have sparked a strong reaction among educators and politicians.
A scandal is brewing in Valencia over police actions at an educational demonstration: the Defensor del Pueblo has officially requested the leadership of the National Police to provide a detailed report on the use of force against a participant in the protest. The incident in question occurred during demonstrations in support of public schools, when one of the participants—a pensioner and former teacher—was abruptly pushed by a police officer and sustained injuries.
The incident took place last Sunday near the regional Ministry of Education building. According to the Defensor del Pueblo, videos published in the media show that the woman was forcefully shoved in the back without any apparent provocation or resistance. As a result, she fell and suffered injuries. In its statement, the institution emphasizes that the officer's actions appear to be a disproportionate use of force, contradicting established Spanish Supreme Court practice: forceful measures are only permissible in the presence of clear resistance.
The Defensor del Pueblo is demanding not only an assessment of the incident from the police, but also the provision of all available video materials that could shed light on the details of what happened. In addition, the agency is asking whether any disciplinary actions have been taken or an internal investigation has been launched regarding the officer who used force. Authorities in the Valencian Community have already announced the start of an inquiry and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the police officer.
The incident drew reactions not only from the educational community but also from politicians. The issue of acceptable limits in police use of force has again become the focus of public attention. Similar debates over law enforcement actions have previously arisen in Spain, for example, during high-profile trials related to the activities of the Ministry of the Interior. One such case was discussed in detail in material covering disagreements between former leaders of the Ministry of the Interior during the Kitchen case trial — details of this conflict can be found here.
For reference: the Defensor del Pueblo is an independent state institution overseeing the observance of citizens' rights in Spain. Its appeals to law enforcement agencies often prompt a review of service protocols and the launch of new investigations. In recent years, the issue of permissible police force has regularly been discussed amid protests and strikes across various regions of the country. In Valencia, educational protests have continued since May, and the situation surrounding police actions could affect the further course of negotiations between teachers and authorities.
