In the last twenty years, 40 people have been victims of the use of rubber bullets in Spain. In the case of Iñigo Cabacas, the impact of a rubber bullet in his head caused his death. In the Tarajal borderland, the use of rubber bullets against people who were swimming across the border was a determining factor in the death by drowning of 14 people. In the last two decades, 11 people have lost sight of an eye due to the impact of these projectiles.
Despite the existence of various publications and international studies on the subject, the analysis of the use of these projectiles by the Spanish security forces is still an unexplored issue, mainly due to the lack of transparency on the part of the institutions.
This report describes the effects and impacts of the use of rubber bullets in Spain between 2000 and 2020.
To do so, it brings together the experience and struggles of different victims’ organizations (such as Stop Bales de Goma and Ojo con tu Ojo) and of the social movements that, for years, have mobilized for their prohibition, as well as the voices of national and international experts.
The report aims to contribute to the public debate, explaining that rubber bullets are a weapon that, due to its lack of precision, as well as its potential for harm, does not comply with international standards regarding the use of force, and therefore it should be banned.
If you are an organisation or collective, you can support the Stop Rubber Bullets Campaign by signing the manifesto to demand a ban on rubber bullets, sign here.
To download the full report click here.
To download the executive summary click here.
More information at: https://stopbalasdegoma.wordpress.com/
The presentation and discussion with StopBalasdeGoma that took place in Madrid on 16 June 2021 are available hereunder.
