Deaths and abuses in the military reach Congress

MadridThe left-wing and pro-independence parliamentary groups in Congress—ERC, Junts, Sumar, EH-Bildu, PNV, BNG, Compromís, and Podemos—are calling for the creation of a commission in the lower house to investigate abuses, mistreatment, and deaths during mandatory military service. The parties behind this demand, which is not supported by the PSOE, point out that in recent months numerous testimonies have emerged detailing "systematic situations of mistreatment, abuse, harassment, and physical and psychological aggression suffered by recruits, as well as deaths under circumstances that remain unclear." This is detailed in the documentary.Et faran un homeThe report revealed that "many recruits suffered harassment, mistreatment, and assaults in an environment that should have guaranteed their safety and well-being." The parties emphasize that official data from the Ministry of Defense places the number of documented suicides in the armed forces between 1983 and 2001 at over "300, although various journalistic investigations and testimonies from family members suggest that the figure could be higher, especially if deaths classified at the time as accidental are taken into account." They also note that "several families have learned years later that their children's deaths were suicides linked to the abuse and mistreatment suffered during their time in the barracks." Given this evidence, the parties signing the petition believe that "these events are not isolated incidents, but rather point to a structural dynamic of impunity and institutional negligence, with devastating consequences for the victims and their families." "The lack of thorough investigations, decades of institutional silence, and the absence of mechanisms for recognition and redress have exacerbated the suffering of those affected," they add.

Clarifying the Facts

For all these reasons, they believe it is necessary to formally activate institutional mechanisms to contribute to clarifying the facts, recognizing the victims, and promoting reparations measures, ensuring that the competent bodies assume responsibility for the issue at the state level. The objective of the investigation would be to gather data on suicides and deaths in unclear circumstances, as well as reports of incidents linked to compulsory military service. It would also include analyzing potential institutional, political, and military responsibilities, publicly recognizing the victims, establishing mechanisms for moral, symbolic, and economic reparations, and providing access to free legal assistance and psychological support for those affected and their families. A month ago, the Catalan Parliament already approved a motion urging the Spanish state to open an investigation into the deaths and abuses committed during compulsory military service in the post-Franco era, with votes in favor from Junts, ERC, Comuns, and the CUP.