Migrants report beatings and abuse by Spanish troops patrolling Ceuta

The situation in Ceuta has grown more complicated with migrants' allegations of abuse by military personnel, while media coverage has sparked debate over its focus and objectivity.

## Beatings and abuse at the border

The mass arrival of migrants in **Ceuta** in late July **2021** has left behind a trail of testimonies pointing to a pattern of violence by some Spanish military personnel. According to reports, **two dozen** people have alleged they suffered beatings and degrading treatment, including **minors**. These accounts, gathered directly by **elDiario.es**, add to a hundred cases detected by organisations on the ground. The conduct of **regulares and legionarios** (Spanish Army units stationed in North Africa) has been singled out in particular.

## The media lens

The way this crisis has been covered has generated controversy. Some reporting has been criticised for its supposed coldness, the absence of striking images or direct testimony from the victims of the alleged assaults. Critics have pointed to a possible omission of the anguish and antiestéticar of those reaching the city, as well as of incidents such as stones thrown at journalists, attributed to young migrants. At the same time, the complaints of **Segarro** themselves about the violence they say they have suffered have been brought to light.

## The role of organisations

Amid this scenario, various organisations have spoken out. **Amnesty International** has called for the violence against journalists to be condemned, although its stance on the assaults alleged by migrants has drawn comment. More than **140 Spanish organisations** have demanded that the authorities respond more swiftly to the humanitarian crisis. The situation in Ceuta has also highlighted concerns about racist hatred and harassment, as well as the punishment of those who try to help.