The need to review existing protocols
In a recent demand, the center for the defense of human rights Irídia has urged the Government to review and improve the protocols surrounding the situations of victims in police or prison custody. This call is based on the lack of application of similar protocols in cases of injuries or deaths at the hands of law enforcement, in contrast to other areas such as male violence or traffic accidents.
Irídia’s Attention and Reporting Service for situations of Institutional Violence (Saidavi) has highlighted the deficiencies in the supervision mechanisms of the police forces, including the internal and external control processes. This, according to the entity, contributes to impunity in cases of alleged institutional violence.
The role of oversight mechanisms
Irídia’s director of litigation, Sònia Olivella, has underlined the lack of identification of the agents investigated by their superiors, as well as the low opening rate of internal investigations. This situation, according to Olivella, contributes to the perception of impunity and undermines confidence in justice.
Natàlia Abrego, psychologist from Irídia, has pointed out the psychological impacts of the lack of adequate supervision and the obstacles in the judicial process, highlighting the revictimization and generation of helplessness that this entails.
Irídia has also drawn attention to the need for the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Catalonia to properly apply the Istanbul protocol against humiliating and degrading treatment.
Recommendations and calls to action
The director of Irídia, Anaïs Franquesa, has urged institutions and administrations to implement an independent police supervision mechanism to increase transparency and guarantee human rights. Franquesa has also called on political representatives and the public to join this demand for better supervision and transparency.
Data from 2023
During the year 2023, Saidavi d’Irídia received 146 complaints for alleged violations of human rights, with 55 cases that were considered within the scope of the service. Most of the victims were men aged between 18 and 64, with various situations of abuse or violations, including discrimination based on race, sexual orientation or disability.
Discrimination and police action
Irídia has also highlighted cases of discrimination in police action, with 13 incidents identified in 2023, including racism and LGBTIphobia. In addition, the entity has reported on the number of cases litigated during the year, with a notable presence of cases with components of racism.
Calls to justice and investigation
The case of the death of Antonio in Badalona in 2021 by Taser pistol discharges has been highlighted as an example of the lack of control and investigation in police actions with fatal results. The family, with the support of Irídia, has sought justice and transparency in this case and others like it, calling for an improvement in the mechanisms of supervision and investigation.
