Spanish prisons under the Ministry of the Interior recorded 453 attacks on prison officers in 2022. According to Penitentiary Institutions, around a dozen were serious, while about 97% were classified as minor or without injuries.
How the numbers have changed
- 2015: 341 attacks
- 2016: 359 attacks
- 2017: 305 attacks
- 2018: 223 attacks
- 2019: 223 attacks
- 2020: 176 attacks
- 2021: 159 attacks
- 2022: 453 attacks
After several years of decline, partly during the pandemic restrictions, the figure for 2022 was almost a hundred higher than the previous record in 2016.
What the officers' union says
The officers' platform "Tu Abandono Me Puede Matar" (Your Neglect Can Kill Me) blames poor management of the prison system. It also criticises the official protocol for recording attacks, arguing that some incidents are left out, and demands that prison officers be recognised as agents of authority. The union announced a demonstration in Madrid to call for equal pay and better conditions.
What this means for inmates and families
When violence rises, prisons usually respond with tighter security: more cell searches, suspended activities and restrictions on movement and visits. Inmates who are not involved are often affected too.
If a loved one is moved, isolated or has visits cancelled after an incident, they still have rights. Ask in writing for the reason and how long the measure will last, and inform their lawyer. We can help you with this. Contact us.
Source: El Independiente