Survivor with loss of vision after deadly Spanish border operation files complaint

Brice O. (anonymized for his protection) filed a complaint to the UN Committee Against Torture challenging Spain’s failure to investigate its use of anti-riot material during the deadly border operation at El Tarajal, Ceuta on 6 February 2014, which caused him permanent loss of sight in one eye. With the support of the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) and Irídia – Center for the Defence of Human Rights, he seeks to hold Spain accountable for its failure to prevent, investigate or redress the harm caused by Guardia Civil officers. 

At least 14 dead and countless were injured or disappeared after the deadly border operation on 6 February 2014 by the Spanish Guardia Civil - a paramilitary police force - at the border between Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on the beach of El Tarajal.

On 6 February 2014, it was still dark as swimmers struggled to stay afloat in waters around the seawall. Spanish Guardia Civil officers began firing anti-riot material towards the people in the water and used at least 145 rubber bullets, 355 blanks, and 5 smoke devices in 21 minutes. Brice O. describes choking and gasping for air and he felt something impact one eye. For a long time he could not receive treatment and his loss of sight became permanent. 

Over a decade later, the victims and their families continue to seek justice. After an interim decision to hold a criminal trial against 16 Guardia Civil officers, national proceedings were closed three times by the investigating judge in Ceuta. Spain's Supreme Court dismissed the subsequent appeals and archived the case in 2022. Later that year, NGOs and relatives of the deceased filed complaints in front of Spain's Constitutional Court.

Since the 90s, operations at these borders have been characterized by reliance on ill-treatment against Black individuals in particular, including reliance on the inadequately regulated use of anti-riot material, and a practice maintained by complete impunity that reflects Spain’s consistent failure to conduct effective investigations for alleged ill-treatment. Despite over two decades of reports of violence, injuries, a