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Diario Euskadi

Six Ertzainas Disciplined for Not Activating Body Cameras During Sestao Incident

The Internal Affairs Division of the Ertzaintza has launched an investigation following an altercation that occurred on February 22, 2026, in Sestao.

Generic image: Blue and red emergency lights reflecting on wet asphalt at night, in an urban setting in Euskadi.
IA

Generic image: Blue and red emergency lights reflecting on wet asphalt at night, in an urban setting in Euskadi.

The Internal Affairs Division of the Ertzaintza has opened disciplinary proceedings against six officers for failing to activate their body cameras during an altercation that took place on February 22, 2026, during the carnival festivities in Sestao.

This investigation stems from an incident in Sestao where three citizens were arrested. One of them, a 22-year-old man, required testicular surgery, and his mother received treatment for various injuries. The event occurred around one in the morning, as a woman, her son, and a friend were crossing a pedestrian crossing.
According to the woman's testimony, an unmarked Ertzaintza car passed at high speed, almost hitting them. The woman struck the rear of the vehicle, and according to the two Ertzainas present, she did so amidst “insults and threats.” Subsequently, the officers exited the car and struck the citizens with extendable batons while requesting reinforcements. Six uniformed police officers arrived at the scene with body cameras, but according to their account, the conflict had already concluded.
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"If the accused is a police officer, the entire structure sides with them."

Iker Sarriegi · Zabarte's Lawyer
The police arrested the citizens, who had to go to a medical center to treat their injuries. The young man underwent testicular surgery at the hospital, and his mother was treated for multiple injuries. They subsequently filed a complaint. The Internal Affairs Division has been responsible for investigating the case and has opened disciplinary proceedings against the six police officers who responded to the incident at the request of their colleagues, for not having activated their cameras.
The Ertzaintza began using body cameras in 2024, following an investment of over 2 million euros. The Internal Instruction states that to activate the camera, it is sufficient to double-click the button, and if the Ertzaina wearing it is in danger, they activate automatically. Cameras must be used in situations that may affect public safety, such as when the life or physical integrity of officers is at risk, if there is a possibility of threats or aggressions, when there are detainees, in case of altercations, and if there are signs of violence or intimidation.
According to Bingen Zupiria, between June 2025 and March 18, 2026, seven cases have been recorded where cameras were not activated, in breach of internal regulations. Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the six police officers involved in these incidents for minor offenses.

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