Security crisis in prisons: Assaulted officials in Soto del Real call for protection

An urgent call to action

The situation for prison officials in Spain has become unsustainable, especially at the Madrid V Penitentiary Centre in Soto del Real. Recently, a new episode of violence left two workers injured, highlighting the increasing insecurity they face daily. This incident is not isolated; rather, it is part of an alarming trend that has led unions to raise their voices.

According to the Independent and Civil Servants Union (CSIF), last year, Soto del Real became the penitentiary with the most attacks on workers throughout the Community of Madrid. With twenty-five recorded assaults during 2025, this place has established itself as an environment where structural violence is a daily reality. The lack of resources and adequate personnel further exacerbates this issue.

The recent attacks have left not only physical but also psychological scars among the officials. One received a direct punch to the face while trying to control an unruly inmate, while another suffered a wrist injury. These incidents reflect a work climate where fear and insecurity are constant.

Despite repeated complaints from the CSIF about this crisis, the Ministry of the Interior led by Fernando Grande-Marlaska seems to have taken little or no effective action to address these problems. The chronic lack of personnel and adequate materials to ensure safety has turned Spanish prisons into dangerous places for both inmates and those who work there.

In light of this critical situation, unions are demanding urgent measures: immediate reinforcement of security, an increase in the number of officials, and formal recognition of these workers as authority figures. Without these concrete actions, they warn that impunity will continue to reign among those who assault their colleagues.

As complaints pile up and assaults increase, it is clear that the Spanish penitentiary system needs a thorough review. The mental and physical health of both inmates and staff must be a priority if these institutions are to be transformed into safe and rehabilitative spaces.