Spanish Soldiers Accused of Brutally Beating Migrants in Ceuta

New videos have surfaced depicting Spanish soldiers allegedly chasing and beating migrants with batons in the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta.

The enclave experienced a significant influx of migrants from Morocco in late July, with an estimated 80,000 crossing into the territory. Following this surge, approximately 15,000 migrants remain in Ceuta, prompting an increased presence of police and army personnel.

The army has since faced accusations of employing excessive force. One video appears to show soldiers subduing a young migrant boy and striking him with batons before he escapes. Other footage captured at night reportedly shows two soldiers beating a single migrant. Another clip allegedly documents migrants being assaulted following a raid, with one individual heard pleading for help while being pushed against a wall.

Another video shows two soldiers beating a single migrant in the dead of night, before walking away.

These videos have drawn criticism from the Prime Minister's office. A government official told El Diario, "We express our complete dismay and condemnation of these images, and the Government will, of course, open an investigation into the matter."

The release of the videos coincides with heightened tensions in Ceuta. Reports suggest that there were calls on social media for migrants to attempt another crossing into the city, particularly on Wednesday, which coincided with elections in Morocco. Last Sunday, residents of Ceuta marched to the border with Morocco to protest against planned crossings.

Additionally, medical personnel in the area are reportedly planning to strike. On Monday night, police were deployed to a detention center in Loma Colmenar to quell a riot. Footage shared by local media showed riot vans and officers in protective gear confronting a group of individuals identified as migrants.

Police also responded to a makeshift migrant shelter in Loma Colmenar, reportedly housing minors, following complaints from neighbors. The house was subsequently raided by officers.