National police have opened a disciplinary file against the officer who pushed a 68-year-old retired teacher in the back during a protest in Valencia on Sunday. The woman filed a complaint after suffering a broken nasal septum and a chin wound that required stitches. Government delegate Pilar Bernabé described the events as unacceptable.
The incident took place on Sunday afternoon near the regional Education Department. Videos shared on social media show the teacher walking with her back turned when a riot police officer wearing a helmet strikes her with a baton and causes her to fall to the ground.
Government delegate Pilar Bernabé and subdelegate José Rodríguez Jurado met on Monday with unions STEPV, CCOO and UGT. Bernabé announced that the facts would be investigated to determine responsibilities and to protect the right to protest.
Police unions Unión Federal de Policía and Confederación Española de Policía criticised Bernabé. They said she would not investigate and that a judge would decide, while defending the officer’s action to prevent street blockades.
The indefinite teachers’ strike in the Valencia region, which began on 11 May, continues into its fourth week.
