Spain orders investigation into alleged military abuse of migrants in Ceuta

Spain's Defence Ministry has ordered an internal military investigation into allegations of torture and mistreatment of migrants in the North African enclave of Ceuta, following a report by Amnesty International. The investigation follows the human rights organisation's claim that Spanish armed forces abused migrants and asylum seekers, including women and unaccompanied children.

Amnesty documented 22 cases of torture and abuse allegedly involving military personnel, including beatings, humiliation, forced returns to Morocco, and severe injuries to the head and other parts of the body. The allegations stem from migrants who remained in Ceuta after tens of thousands crossed from Morocco in late July, placing pressure on local resources and contributing to tensions.

Amnesty's director in Spain, Esteban Beltrán, welcomed the government's response but called for a more thorough investigation and the precautionary suspension of those implicated.