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EU wants Spain explanation on migrants death

15 February 2014 22:28 (UTC +04:00)

The EU Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom has voiced concern over Spanish police moves earlier this month that resulted in the drowning of at least 14 people.

Malmstrom called for respecting fundamental rights and human dignity by any EU state while protecting its borders.

She tweeted that she was "very concerned about Spanish border police using rubber bullets to deter migrants," adding, "I expect clarifications from the authorities."

Meanwhile, Michele Cercone, a spokesman for Malmstrom, said, "The commission considers that the Spanish authorities have a responsibility to look into the circumstances of this particular incident in Ceuta."

Spanish border guards have admitted firing rubber bullets at migrants trying to swim to Ceuta from Morocco. At least, 14 people drowned in the shooting incident on February 6.

This is while, Spanish Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez told the parliament on Thursday that no one was hit by the bullets and nobody was injured.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called for an independent probe into police role in the deaths of migrants, saying the Spanish authorities must come clean on the issue.

EU laws also state that border surveillance measures must be proportionate to the objectives pursued, respect fundamental rights and human dignity, and be carried out in accordance with laws on protection of refugees.