A Senegalese street vendor died on Sunday afternoon in Seville after jumping into the Guadalquivir River while fleeing from local police officers. Shortly after the incident, a group of acquaintances and friends of the victim protested at the police headquarters, resulting in the arrest of a young man on charges of assaulting authority, causing damage, and public disorder. The 43-year-old vendor, who did not know how to swim, jumped into the river at around 4:20 pm in the area of Muelle de Nueva York, after a struggle with the agents. Despite attempts by the officers to calm him down, the man was in a state of high nervousness and was not dissuaded. Two officers attempted to rescue him but were unsuccessful, as he displayed obvious signs of inability to stay afloat.
The police had been conducting a routine operation against illegal street vending on Avenida de la Constitución, leading to a dozen vendors fleeing in different directions. The deceased vendor did not let go of his sack of merchandise, prompting the officers to pursue him. According to the head of the Local Police, the man unexpectedly and incongruently held onto his merchandise of branded sportswear, even as he reached a dangerous area under the Remedios bridge. The officers then witnessed him jumping into the river and sinking, despite their efforts to save him. Divers from the Fire and Rescue Service later located his body in the water, and the National Police are handling the investigation in anticipation of legal procedures.
In similar operations targeting counterfeit products, immigrant vendors usually drop their merchandise and flee, with no arrests made. However, in this case, the vendor’s actions led to a tragic outcome. Subsequently, friends and acquaintances of the deceased gathered at the police headquarters to protest the incident. This resulted in clashes with officers, leading to the arrest of a young man, who was later released without additional precautions. Two officers sustained minor injuries during the altercation, and there were reports of damaged containers and burnt vehicles. Following the unrest, a meeting took place between street vendors’ representatives and police officials, aimed at pacifying tensions and resolving issues.
The incident at the police headquarters prompted criticism from the CSIF union regarding the lack of proper security measures in the building, including clear perimeter and entrance surveillance. The absence of effective security features, such as high-definition cameras and access control mechanisms, raised concerns about unauthorized access to the premises. CSIF had previously highlighted these deficiencies in a communication to the delegate of Citizen Security, Mobility, and Human Resources in June. The union continues to advocate for urgent improvements, such as installing a security door, enhancing video surveillance, and implementing security turnstiles for controlled access.
The tragic death of the Senegalese vendor in Seville has sparked outrage and calls for accountability in handling such incidents involving vulnerable communities and law enforcement. The confrontation between police officers and street vendors highlights the complexities of regulating informal street trade and the challenges faced by marginalized populations. Moving forward, there is a need for constructive dialogue, improved procedures, and enhanced security measures to prevent similar tragedies and promote mutual understanding between law enforcement agencies and the community. The repercussions of this event serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing social inequalities, promoting respect for human rights, and fostering inclusive approaches to law enforcement practices.
