Refugee shot in eye during deadly 2014 crossing into Spain files complaint to UN

Refugee shot in eye during deadly 2014 crossing into Spain files complaint to UN

A refugee, known as Brice O, who survived a police operation off the coast of Ceuta in 2014 that resulted in at least 14 deaths, has filed a complaint with the UN Committee Against Torture. On February 6, 2014, around 200 migrants attempted to enter Ceuta when Spanish Guardia Civil officers used anti-riot measures, including rubber bullets and smoke canisters, leading to panic and drowning among those in the water.

Brice O sustained severe injuries from a rubber bullet that nearly blinded him in one eye. He described his traumatic experience while trying to reach safety, detailing how he gasped for air amidst chaos and pain. Following his ordeal, he received refugee status and relocated to Canada to study cinematography.

Despite calls for investigation into police actions during the incident, previous inquiries have been dismissed. A judge ruled in 2015 that although there were no protocols for using such equipment in water scenarios, the officers acted within their duties. The Supreme Court later shelved the case entirely.

Hanaa Hakiki from the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights criticized the lack of accountability regarding these events over the past decade. An appeal by Spanish NGOs seeking justice for victims is still pending before Spain’s constitutional court.
Concerns about border policing escalated after another tragic event in June 2022 when at least 37 individuals died during a mass attempt to cross into Melilla. Amnesty International attributed these fatalities to excessive force by security officials from both Morocco and Spain.

Human rights advocates emphasize that these incidents reflect ongoing violations against migrants and call for urgent investigations to prevent future tragedies at borders. The Spanish interior ministry declined to comment on Brice O's complaint.