Press Group Calls for Investigation into Attack on Journalist in Spain

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Spanish authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into an attack on reporter José Ismael Martínez. This incident occurred during violent clashes between police and far-left protesters in Pamplona on October 30, 2025. The CPJ emphasized the need for authorities to prosecute those responsible and to ensure the safety of journalists covering protests.

Martínez, who works for the online newspaper El Español, was filming a demonstration involving far-left Basque separatists when he was surrounded by a group of five to six individuals. Despite displaying a visible press ID, he was subjected to harassment that escalated into violence. The assailants reportedly threw objects at him, insulted him, and physically assaulted him while he lay on the ground. Following the assault, he required emergency treatment for eye injuries at a local hospital, details of which he shared in an article published by El Español.

Background of the Protest

The unauthorized protest occurred near the University of Navarra in response to a planned event featuring Vito Quiles, a young far-right political activist known for his provocative debate style. The event was cancelled a day prior, as authorities expressed concerns over their ability to secure the venue amid potential threats from opposing groups. A university professor stated on social media platform X that the institution would not serve as a venue for political activism, only educational events.

The protests were connected to a long-standing anti-fascist sentiment among separatist groups in the Basque region, which has a history of violent incidents, including attacks by the armed group ETA in 2002 and 2008 on the university campus. Following the unrest in Pamplona, two individuals were arrested, and four police officers sustained injuries.

In response to the escalating tensions, the directoral board of the Spanish University of La Laguna cancelled a similar event featuring Quiles scheduled for November 4, 2025. They stated their desire to maintain the campus as a space for respectful dialogue and adherence to human rights and factual information.

Implications for Press Freedom

The CPJ’s call for action highlights the broader implications of such attacks on journalists. While these incidents fall under national criminal jurisdiction, they also represent serious violations of fundamental rights. The European Charter of Fundamental Rights, particularly Article 11, and the European Convention of Human Rights, Article 10, protect freedom of expression, pluralism, and press freedom.

Attacks on journalists not only threaten individual safety but also undermine the essential role of a free press in a democratic society. The CPJ has consistently advocated for the protection of journalists worldwide, emphasizing that their safety must be prioritized, especially in the context of civil unrest.

As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in volatile environments. Ensuring accountability for such acts of violence is crucial for safeguarding press freedom and promoting a culture of respect for diverse viewpoints.