The Platform calls on the Spanish authorities to ensure “a rapid and exhaustive investigation into the attack on journalist José Ismael Martínez, with the identification and prosecution of those responsible”, and that protect security of all the reporters who cover demonstrations.
“Public officials must unequivocally condemn the attack and the use of violence against journalists, reaffirming that members of the press must be able to do their work safely and without fear of reprisals,” the Platform demands.
The Spanish authorities must inform the Council of Europe of the measures taken in response to this alert by February 3, 2026. Until now, neither the President of the Government, Pedro Sancheznor any of its ministers have condemned the brutal aggression.
In its alert, the Council of Europe Platform states that “on October 30, 2025, José Ismael Martínez, journalist from The Spanishwas physically attacked by a group of hooded protesters during violent clashes on the campus of the University of Navarra, in Pamplona.
“According to The Spanish and other Spanish media, Martínez was recording a group of around 300 protesters, described as radical sympathizers of extreme left nationalist groupssuch as Ernai (the youth branch of Sortu), GKS and Jardun”, the text continues.
Protesters had gathered on campus to protest a planned lecture by the far-right activist Vito Quiles. When Martínez approached the group, several hooded men insulted him and called him different names, before hitting him in the face and kicking him repeatedly while he was on the ground,” the alert highlights.
The journalist managed to escape and take refuge with other reporters, where he was protected by police officers deployed on the campus. During the clashes, five people were injured and two arrests were made.
The Platform points out that The Government of Navarra condemned the eventsher university advisor described the attack and subsequent riots as “absolutely incompatible with democracy.”
The Council of Europe Platform for the Protection of Journalism and the Safety of Journalists was created in 2015, in cooperation with renowned international NGOs active in the field of freedom of expression and with journalists’ associations.
This body facilitates the collection, processing and dissemination of information about Serious press freedom concerns and safety of journalists in the Member States of the Council of Europe, as guaranteed by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
It aims to improve the protection of journalists, more effectively address threats and violence against media professionals, and promote early warning and response mechanisms within the Council of Europe.
The platform allows the Council of Europe to be alerted in a more systematic and timely manner, so that it can take coordinated action when necessary. It also helps the Organization to identify trends and propose appropriate policy responses regarding media freedom.
Member States must act and respond to alertsinforming the Platform about the measures adopted. Likewise, they have a positive obligation to guarantee an environment that favors media pluralism.