The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Spanish authorities to promptly investigate an attack on journalist José Ismael Martínez during a protest in Pamplona on October 30, 2025. The incident occurred amid clashes between police and far-left protesters. CPJ emphasized the need for the prosecution of those responsible for the attack and highlighted the importance of safeguarding journalists during public demonstrations.
Martínez, who reports for the online newspaper El Español, was filming a group of masked protesters when he was surrounded by five or six individuals. According to reports, the group initially hurled objects at him before cornering and kicking him while he was on the ground. Following this violent encounter, he was treated for eye injuries at a local hospital, which he detailed in an article for El Español.
Background of the Protest
The protest was organized by far-left Basque separatists in response to a planned event featuring Vito Quiles, a young far-right political activist known for his provocative debate style and inspired by the late American activist Charlie Kirk. This event, which was meant to take place at the University of Navarra, was cancelled a day prior due to concerns about potential security threats. University officials stated that the institution would only facilitate educational events rather than political activism.
Tensions escalated during the protest, resulting in two arrests and injuries to four police officers. In light of these developments, the directoral board of the Spanish University of La Laguna also opted to cancel a subsequent event with Quiles scheduled for November 4, citing a commitment to maintaining the campus as a venue for respectful discourse within the confines of human rights and factual information.
Implications for Press Freedom
The attack on Martínez is part of a broader concern regarding the safety of journalists in Spain and beyond. Such assaults not only violate national criminal laws but also infringe upon essential rights enshrined in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights (Article 11) and the European Convention of Human Rights (Article 10). These documents underscore the significance of freedom of expression, pluralism, and press freedom as cornerstone values of democratic societies.
The CPJ’s appeal serves as a reminder of the critical role that journalists play in upholding democratic principles. The organization has consistently advocated for the safety of reporters worldwide, urging authorities to take decisive action against any form of violence directed towards the media. The outcome of the investigation into the attack on José Ismael Martínez will be closely monitored, as it could set important precedents for the protection of press freedom in Spain.
