Sánchez must act against Spanish police after brutal attack on pensioner protester

Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez has a solid record of resistance to Israel’s genocide in Gaza. But he must now show emphatic action against Spanish police after another brutal attack on peaceful protesters.

In late May, police in Bilbao launched a vicious and unprovoked attack on volunteers of a humanitarian flotilla as they returned from abduction by Israel as they tried to reach Gaza.

Now, as teachers were peacefully protesting in Valencia for public education and better pay, a 68-year-old retired teacher was cold-bloodedly shoved over from behind without warning. The 31 May 2026 attack slammed the woman’s face into the road surface, breaking her nose, severely wounding her chin and leaving her needing twelve stitches:

Sánchez needs to act against police’s arrogance and impunity

Spanish MP Pilar Bernabé described the attack as “unacceptable.” The victim has filed a formal complaint and Spanish National Police opened a disciplinary file, but this is far from any guarantee of action. Podemos party leader lone Belarra demanded the thug’s immediate suspension and said the government had lost control.

So far, no action has been reported against the Bilbao police attackers. The police ‘investigation’ has not led to the suspension of the Valencia thug. The police union defended the brute’s actions, instead attacking the MPs who criticised the assault:

The image corresponds to a police action to prevent them from blocking the streets […]. One must act quickly, with minimal force, but with decision. [MPs] will not investigate anything, at most it is a judge who must determine responsibilities..

The Spanish government’s resistance to Israel’s terrorism is welcome. But if it allows its police to run riot against

Featured image via Kevin Frayer/Getty Images