Photographer Xavi Hurtado injured by police during Palma protest against tourism
Freelance photojournalist Xavi Hurtado was struck with a police baton at the end of a demonstration in Palma, Mallorca, organized by the "Menys Turisme, Més Vida" platform to demand a reduction of tourism pressures. The assault caused a head wound that required sutures, along with contusions to his legs and abdomen. Hurtado was taken to hospital, received treatment and has since been discharged, stating he is recovering.
Video footage captured the incident as police used rubber bullets and batons against demonstrators after clashes over crowd control. The protest attracted tens of thousands of participants – organizers claim about 70,000 people attended, while police estimates were lower. Photographers’ unions and colleagues condemned the police action as disproportionate and expressed solidarity with Hurtado, urging that journalists be allowed to work with guarantees of safety and press freedom.
Entities: Balearic Islands · Menys Turisme, Més Vida · Palma · Policía Nacional (Spain) · Xavi Hurtado
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Photographers’ unions and colleagues condemned the police action as disproportionate and called for safeguards for journalists. (Statements from SPIB and other photographer groups)
- [● 6 SOURCES] He suffered a head wound requiring stitches and contusions to his legs and abdomen. (Injuries detailed in multiple reports)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The protest was organized by the platform Menys Turisme, Més Vida to demand a change in tourism policy. (Organisers’ stated objectives)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Organisers claim about 70,000 people participated in the demonstration, while police estimate was lower. (Participant numbers reported by organizers and police)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Xavi Hurtado was hit with a police baton during a protest in Palma. (Photographer assaulted by police at end of demonstration)
- [● 6 SOURCES] He was hospitalized and later discharged, stating he is recovering. (Hospitalisation status reported by the photographer)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Police used rubber bullets and batons against protesters during the march. (Law enforcement tactics described in reports)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Hurtado called for professional guarantees for photojournalists and affirmed the right to protest. (Hurtado’s public statements after the incident)