Photojournalist injured by police while covering protest in Spain’s Mallorca

Berlin, July 29, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Spanish authorities to ensure that police forces guarantee the safety of journalists covering protests after freelance journalist Xavi Hurtado was hit by a police officer while covering a demonstration in Palma, Mallorca and left needing hospital treatment for a head wound and bruising. 

On July 26, Hurtado was documenting clashes between Spain’s National Police force and demonstrators following a largely peaceful protest against overtourism on the Mediterranean island. Video footage from multiple angles, reviewed by CPJ, appears to show Hurtado photographing police as they confronted the protesters and then an officer striking Hurtado, who fell to the ground. 

⁠Hurtado ⁠said on X that he had needed stitches for a forehead wound and also had bruising to his legs and abdomen. He was treated in hospital before being released later the same day.

“Journalists in Spain must be able to report on police operations during protests safely and without fear of being assaulted by police,” said Attila Mong, CPJ’s Europe representative. “Xavi Hurtado was doing his job when a police officer struck him. Police must not use violence against journalists, and must allow them to document demonstrations, including officers’ use of force, without interference.”

On July 27,  Spain’s government delegate in Mallorca, Alfonso Rodríguez, said the police intervention appeared “excessive and violent,” adding that some officers seemed to have used force against people who posed no threat. He said he had requested a full report from the National Police to determine responsibility. 

Local media quoted police sources as saying police intervened after what they described as a “radical minority” threw stones, bottles, sticks, and other objects at officers. Police said five officers were injured while organizers of the protest said more than 10 demonstrators were injured.

CPJ emailed Spain’s Ministry of the Interior, which has oversight of the National Police, seeking comment on the incident but did not immediately receive a response.