Against the closure by the Prosecutor’s Office of the investigation into the Massacre of Melilla on June 24th
The Public Prosecutor's Office has closed the investigations into the deaths of at least 23 people, according to the official version, a number that rises to 40 people according to Caminando Fronteras, in Melilla on June 24th. It is also worth noting the disappearance of another 77 people who remain missing, and the Prosecutor's Office has not yet made a statement regarding them.
In its document, the Public Prosecutor’s Office dismisses Spain’s involvement in the deaths and disappearances of dozens of people, contrary to the evidence that has been published since the events occurred. This news highlights the need for an independent and impartial investigation to take place.
The images of what happened on June 24th at the border between Melilla and Nador, along with the published news reports, collected testimonies, the resolution of the Ombudsman, and the latest report published by Amnesty International, all underscore events that cannot go unpunished. There is a need to determine the responsibility of both Spain and Morocco. As Amnesty International points out, the deaths would be related to the improper use of force by the authorities, as well as the improper use of anti-riot materials, specifically rubber bullets and pepper spray at close range against defenseless and trapped individuals, and the failure to provide assistance.
It is also of great concern that, in its resolution, the Public Prosecutor’s Office endorses the summary deportations of 470 people, deportations that have been denounced by the Ombudsman for preventing access to a fair procedure and the right to asylum, violating international and national law.
Furthermore, the Prosecutor’s Office acknowledges and confirms the throwing of stones by the Civil Guard but asserts that no serious injuries were caused. They leave it to the Civil Guard’s discretion to decide on possible sanctions for these agents and rule out criminal sanctions.
It is important to remember that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has repeatedly pointed out the lack of investigations by States in the face of alarming use of violence, summary deportations, and mistreatment at the borders of the European Union. In this context, it is urgent to establish mechanisms of accountability to ensure justice, truth, and non-recurrence.
Six months after the tragedy and during these significant dates, we are witnessing an impunity that deeply damages our democratic system and highlights the racism of state institutions in their lack of response and investigation into the deaths of dozens of people, in the absence of accountability, and in the denial of facts.
The more than 150 signing entities consider the decision to close these investigations extremely serious and continue to demand an independent and impartial investigation into the facts, as well as the determination of responsibilities and the guarantee of non-recurrence, as fundamental pillars of a rule of law.