Court Orders Reopening of Investigation
The Barcelona Provincial Court has ordered the reopening of the investigation into a foam projectile fired at photojournalist Joan Gálvez by a Mossos d'Esquadra officer during a protest outside the Israeli consulate in Barcelona on 15th October 2025. The court upheld an appeal filed by human rights organisation Irídia on Gálvez’s behalf and overturned two prior decisions by Barcelona’s investigating court 11: the classification of the incident as a minor injury offence and the rejection of the complaint on other charges. The court has now ordered the resumption of preliminary proceedings, the admission of the full complaint, and the conduct of all necessary actions to clarify the facts and identify those responsible. The prosecution had opposed the appeal.
Shot Above Permitted Zone, Says Court
Gálvez, who was clearly identified as press with a professional camera and a helmet marked “Press”, was struck in the shoulder, above the waist, by the foam round. According to the Mossos’ own protocol, such projectiles must only be aimed at the lower body, between the abdomen and knees. The court confirmed that the use of force in this instance violated operational guidelines. The court ruled that the injuries cannot be dismissed as minor. Medical records show Gálvez suffered a 10cm by 10cm hematoma requiring anti-inflammatory treatment and topical care. He also received psychological and psychiatric support following the incident.
This resolution is very important. The Court recognizes that we are not dealing with simple minor injuries, but with serious rights violations that must be thoroughly investigated.
Crimes Against Press Freedom Under Review
The court has ordered the investigation to include possible crimes of torture, violations of moral integrity, and obstruction of civic rights, particularly the right to freedom of information. It noted that if the shot was intended to hinder Gálvez’s journalistic work, it would constitute a breach of fundamental rights. Irídia lawyer Ton Mansilla said: “The recognition of the possible commission of a crime of obstruction of civic rights is key: it places freedom of information, which affects society as a whole, at the center, and the need to protect journalists covering protests.”
Contrast with Internal Police Investigation
The judicial decision contrasts with the outcome of the Mossos’ internal probe. Although an internal investigation was opened, it was closed in September 2026 without assigning responsibility or informing Gálvez. According to the Sindicat de la Imatge UPIFC, the closure was not communicated to the victim, and findings were omitted during a parliamentary appearance by Interior officials on 4th February 2026. Gálvez described the lack of transparency as re-victimisation. The Council of Europe opened an inquiry into the incident in December 2025, giving Spanish authorities three months to respond. By 1st June 2026, authorities had only stated the case was under judicial review. Mansilla added: “Justice is now doing the job that the internal police investigation did not do. Now the investigating court will have to fulfill its obligation to effectively investigate possible police mistreatment.” The court’s decision is final and not subject to further appeal.
Primary sources: dsp.interior.gencat.cat, Generalitat de Catalunya. Departament d'Interior, interior.gencat.cat, mossos.gencat.cat. Reported by vilaweb.cat, naciodigital.cat, elriu.cat, VilaWeb Feed.
