A wave of protests swept through the Spanish town of Torrejon de Ardoz last week following the death of Abderrahim, a 35-year-old Moroccan man, at the hands of an off-duty municipal police officer. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, June 17, sparked outrage over alleged police brutality and racial profiling in Spain.

According to witnesses and family, Abderrahim—who had long struggled with mental health issues and was under psychiatric care—was allegedly suspected of trying to steal the officer’s phone. The confrontation ended with the officer applying a prolonged chokehold on Abderrahim, a scene caught on video as bystanders shouted for the officer to let go.

Family and Community Decry Systemic Violence

Community members described Abderrahim as a gentle and fragile individual. One protester stated, “He didn’t even weigh 60 kilos. Bending his arm would have been enough.” His father, Akkouh Mimou, condemned the officer’s actions, saying, “If my son steals, the police should arrest him and bring him before a judge. Stealing is no reason to kill.”

Slogans such as “Moorish lives matter” and “These aren’t deaths, they’re murders” echoed through the town’s streets during mass demonstrations.

Officer Released Despite Public Backlash

The officer was arrested shortly after the incident but released on bail two days later, with a judge ruling there was no flight risk or danger of tampering with evidence. However, he was ordered to surrender his passport and report weekly to the court.

The decision to release the officer sparked renewed anger. “It is unfair that the alleged killer is free,” said María Bennouna, director of SOS Racism Madrid. “We demand recognition that this is not an isolated incident.”