The intolerable episode of police brutality that occurred in Elche, when some police officers beat up a Barça supporter who was carrying an Estelada, has made it possible to confirm – without surprise, it must be said – that some fellow citizens get indignant with more or less intensity depending on the autonomous community from which the victim of police violence comes. Or depending on the flag they raise.It was just a month ago that more than twenty people were injured as a result of police brutality – entirely unjustified and disproportionate – against the massive demonstration in Palma protesting against tourism, speculation and overcrowding. And a few months ago, during the also massive, and admirable, mobilizations of Valencian teachers in defense of public schools and education in Valencian, a teacher was brutally assaulted by a police officer who made her fall face down on the ground with a push from behind. Some of those who are now exclaiming and indignant – with every right, moreover – about the police assault on a young Barça fan who was carrying an estelada did not find any reason to say anything about the cases of police brutality in Mallorca or the Valencian Country. On the contrary, some consider that we Mallorcans and Valencians deserve it, with the astounding argument that the PP (or the PP plus Vox) win the elections in these communities. As if to say: For them, among the victims of police violence there are classes. A Valencian teacher (retired, moreover) who defended public school and in Catalan: bah. Mallorcan demonstrators, activists and journalists protesting against housing speculation, environmental destruction and overpopulation: pse. Young Barça fan with an Estelada: attack against freedoms, historical grievance and national hero. Some of those who make these distinctions then usually also make great patriotic proclamations and give lessons –never asked for– about the country.The police officers who beat people are not that picky, and they themselves are clear about whom they beat and why. In all cases, police forces – and, around them, political and media powers (and judicial ones, when convenient) – hide behind a fierce corporate defense of violent police officers. They also resort to the tactic of perverting roles and presenting the victim as the aggressor and the aggressor police officer as the victim. There is no shortage of police unions, which stoke tension in accordance with a very specific and recognizable political ideology, that of the Spanish nationalist far-right. Faced with all this, however, some find that full consideration as victims should be reserved for some and not granted to others. It is strange behavior, which occurs in the distance between being a victim and exercising victimhood.
