The Spanish Government stated that the six officers involved in Haitam Mejri's death in Torremolinos scrupulously followed police protocol. The family views the action as disproportionate, while a court is provisionally investigating pending the autopsy report. The Interior Ministry notes the case is under judicial review.
Haitam Mejri, 35, died on December 7, 2025, in a Torremolinos (Málaga) internet cafe after a police intervention. He entered agitated, possibly under the influence of drugs, seeking a phone charger. He struggled with the owner, who locked him in and called police. Six officers subdued him, administering eight to ten taser discharges (1,000-2,000 volts), mainly to shoulder and leg, while he was on the ground. He also received head blows, pressure on legs and torso, and irritant gas. Videos from shop cameras, body cams, and witnesses capture the 10-minute sequence, with discharges in three phases: five to seven in one minute, two more two minutes later, and one final 6.5 minutes after. Haitam initially expressed willingness to cooperate: “I’m going to work with you,” “I’m going to collaborate,” he told the first officer, before the struggle to handcuff him after dropping scissors but not his phones. Officers deactivated body cams after discussing how to stop recording. The Government, in a February 16 Congress response to Sumar queries, justified the action for “congruence, opportunity, and proportionality” amid a presumed serious crime and disobedience. Contact discharge, the least harmful, was used. Police provided report, videos, and scientific analysis to court, which provisionally archived pending autopsy and toxicology for possible cardiac issues or drugs. The family claims disproportionate force caused death. After eldiario.es published videos, Interior Ministry referred to the judicial process. Antiracist groups call a March 21 rally in Málaga honoring Haitam and other victims.
