The Spanish national police has today opened an investigation into one of its agents who yesterday attacked, for no apparent reason, the photojournalist Jordi Borràs.
The force's internal affairs department has opened an inquiry into the officer, which will stay open until a legal verdict is reached. For the moment, he hasn't been suspended from duty. As in other cases where officers are implicated, the force will take no disciplinary measures until the case is closed.
The attack happened yesterday in Barcelona's barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter). The officer apparently recognised Borràs in the street, shouted "viva España" and "viva Franco" and started hitting him. When Borràs shouted for police, the attacker identified themselves as a police officer, showing a badge. The officer has since reported Borràs, giving an alternative version of events, saying that Borràs verbally attacked him.
Borràs formally reported the attack at midday today to the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan police) station in Barcelona's Les Corts neighbourhood.