The Esan union has issued a statement denouncing the presence of banners in the streets of Hernani bearing slogans against the police and concerning "impunity". These protest signs, placed in various parts of the municipality during the San Juan festivities, display the messages: "Poliziak ez gaitu zaintzen" (The police do not protect us) and "Poliziaren inpunitateari aurre egin" (Confront police impunity).
According to Esan, these are not "neutral" slogans. On one hand, the union believes they demean the Municipal Police, and furthermore, they consider the message "dangerous" for suggesting that the police are not a resource to turn to for protection against gender-based violence.
For Esan, feminism cannot be used as an excuse to leave victims of gender-based violence unprotected or to target public servants whose mission is to protect them. "Political criticism cannot become a practical invitation to sideline the Basque police from functions such as responding to sexist attacks," the statement asserts.
In its statement, the union addresses the town's mayor, Xabier Lertxundi of EH Bildu. Esan calls for a "clear and unambiguous" public stance from him regarding the banners. "Does he support them or reject them?" "Does he defend the Municipal Police officers or will he look the other way while they are targeted on the street?" "Does he share the message advising victims of gender-based violence not to go to the police?"
Esan considers the gravity of this situation to be heightened by the communications issued by the City Council regarding the festivities, which do not mention the Municipal Police as the service to contact for reporting or seeking protection in cases of gender-based violence. This attitude, combined with inaction regarding the banners, indicates an institutional stance that asks officers to be on the street "while their recognition and legitimacy are denied".
"Neither silence nor equidistance." In this context, the union recalls the incidents that occurred during last year's festivities, in which three officers were assaulted. "Right now, what the staff needs are clear operational instructions, effective self-protection measures, and political support. Neither silence nor equidistance."
Esan concludes the statement by urging the mayor to clearly state his position: "With his workers and in favor of public service, or aligned with those who want to place victims of sexist violence outside the protection of the Basque police."
