Amnesty International alleges Spanish military torture of migrants in Ceuta

Amnesty International has alleged that Spanish military personnel tortured migrants in the North African enclave of Ceuta, saying its investigation documented beatings, humiliating treatment, summary expulsions and racial profiling. The organization said some of the abuses it attributed to members of the armed forces could amount to torture under international law.

Ceuta, a Spanish territory bordering Morocco, has long been a flashpoint for migration into Europe, with migrants frequently attempting to cross into the enclave by land or sea. The area has previously drawn scrutiny from human rights organizations over the treatment of migrants by Spanish security forces.

Details of the allegations

According to Amnesty International, its investigation gathered testimony and evidence pointing to a pattern of mistreatment, including physical abuse and expulsions carried out without due process. The group said some individuals described being targeted based on their racial or ethnic background during encounters with military personnel.

Amnesty said that in at least some cases, witnesses reported being told that abusive treatment was being carried out under orders, suggesting the alleged conduct was not limited to isolated incidents by individual personnel.

Response and next steps

The allegations are likely to intensify scrutiny of Spain's handling of migration at its North African border enclaves, an issue that has drawn criticism from human rights groups in the past. It was not immediately clear how Spanish authorities would respond to the specific findings, though the report is likely to renew calls for independent investigation into the conduct of security forces in Ceuta.