Hondarribia protests follow fatal police shooting of Babacar Welle

Dozens of people gathered in Hondarribia, Spain, to protest the death of Babacar Welle, a 46-year-old man of Senegalese origin who was shot and killed by a local police officer last Monday.

The municipal police report that Welle was armed with a knife and threatening officers, prompting the fatal response. However, Binta Sarr, spokesperson for the Manko Senegal association, has challenged this account, arguing that the officer could have subdued Welle without lethal force and noting that Welle was shot in the back. The association also criticized the lack of support for Welle, stating that his mental health issues were well-known to authorities.

Hondarribia Mayor Igor Enparan acknowledged the incident as a sign of social breakdown, noting that Welle was receiving social services in coordination with regional authorities. The municipality confirmed that the officer involved has been removed from duty. During the demonstration, protesters marched to the roundabout where the shooting occurred to hold a vigil and lay flowers.