Más Madrid's Proposal Seeks to Reform Police Conduct After Controversial Arrest

A call for transparency in police actions

Más Madrid has taken a significant step by presenting a Non-Legislative Proposal (PNL) in the Vallecas Chamber, aiming to implement forms that regulate police interventions. This initiative arises from the recent arrest of former regional MP and Podemos leader, Serigne Mbaye, who was detained along with six others in Usera, a district of Madrid.

The National Police carried out this operation following a confrontation with the detainees. Upon leaving the police station, Mbaye denounced what he termed as "pure and hard racism," arguing that there is a systematic persecution against racialised individuals. This incident has reignited the debate over the use of racial profiling by law enforcement.

The proposal presented by Más Madrid aims to collect disaggregated data on police interventions to identify discriminatory practices based on racial or ethnic profiles. Furthermore, it seeks to prevent what they have termed "identifications by racist profiling." Ongoing training in human rights and non-discrimination for officers is also a fundamental part of the plan.

Despite the public outcry for a review of police procedures, the unions representing the officers have categorically rejected any insinuation that the arrest could be considered a "racist raid." Jupol, one of the most representative unions, defended that the officers acted in response to a violent and challenging situation posed by the detainees.

The Madrid City Council has responded to this controversy by asserting that there is no preferential treatment for MPs or public figures. Deputy Mayor Inma Sanz emphasised that all citizens must respect authority and comply with their legal obligations, with no exceptions for those in public office.

Meanwhile, Más Madrid has urged the regional government to explicitly condemn what they consider "institutional violence" and "structural racism" affecting migrants and racialised individuals. This request underscores the urgent need to address these issues within the current legal framework.