Benidorm to investigate police ‘invasion’

FOLLOWING the invasion of Benidorm town hall by about 50 local police protesting over wage cuts and sackings, the Chief of Police has now made a statement, stating that if criminal acts took place during those demonstrations, they must be punished.

An investigation has been called for following accusations of intimidation and threatening behaviour by the demonstrators.

It has been reported that the police banged on office doors and posted offensive messages as they made their way through the corridors of the Ayuntamiento, in search of certain council officers who the police reportedly blame for their predicament: problems with wage payments, reduced hours and redundancies.

The matter is now being referred to a prosecuting attorney to see whether the actions of the police constituted any crime. Councillor Conrad Hernandez said the executive would open an investigation into the events that aimed to provide “one on one” behavior of each of the 50 agents who were involved.

The council’s own legal department will be assisting in the investigation.

Two major employers, the Hotels Association and the Tourist Business Federation, held a meeting a meeting to address the potentially damaging conflict, expressing “discomfort and concern for the events of Wednesday.”

Though sympathizing with the frustration of the police in their grievances, it was emphasized that nothing could excuse criminal behavior, especially when it is the police who are guilty of it.

By Paul Deed