- Allegedly, a 71-year-old taxi driver in Germany was physically assaulted by the police, necessitating hospitalization.
Partygoers causing trouble in Mallorca isn't a new phenomenon, but recent reports suggest that police officers from Essen have assaulted a local taxi driver. The driver was hospitalized as a result of the attack, which occurred early Tuesday morning. Four individuals, presumed to be Germans, were temporarily detained by Spanish authorities shortly after the incident. Authorities in Essen are now investigating whether the suspects actually hail from that city. "We're aware of the situation," confirmed a spokesperson from DPA news agency, acknowledging the possibility of German involvement.
According to trustworthy sources, at least two of the detainees are private visitors from Essen. Previously, the "Rheinische Post" had reported this information. The driver's alleged offense, as per Spanish police, was the loss of a mobile phone, claimed by the attackers but absent from the taxi. The suspects have now returned to their homeland.
Victim describes near-death experience
"I genuinely thought they were going to kill me," taxi driver José María P. recounted to "Mallorca Zeitung", expressing shock at his survival following the attack. He was left with a fractured arm, two broken ribs, black eyes, assorted injuries, and numerous bruises. The assault took place at Palma's hospital.
The incident was also mentioned in "Mallorca Magazin" and other local media, as well as Spanish national TV station RTVE. The Mallorcan police are investigating the case, which could lead to serious consequences for the Germans. The son of the victim shared on television that his father's eye might be lost among other injuries. Spain's law mandates prison sentences of between three and six years for severe bodily harm.
Incident initiated at Ballermann
José María alleged that three of the four suspects entered his taxi on Schinkenstraße, the party hub at Ballermann, requesting transportation to their central hotel. "Two of them were completely drunk," he further explained. The remaining four individuals enlisted the services of another taxi driver, traveling in a different vehicle.
Upon arrival, a heated argument ensued, according to police and the victim. One German had misplaced his phone and accused the taxi driver of theft. Initially, there were no issues. "They divided the fare fairly and tipped generously. I even assisted in unloading the drunk passengers," the driver shared with reporters from his hospital bed. However, upon discovering his missing phone, conflict escalated.
"Three more individuals emerged from the hotel. We flipped the taxi over and searched for the phone," José María lamented. Despite their fruitless efforts, he was still subjected to brutal attacks.
Reports of attempted bribery
When the police arrived at the country hotel in Petra, approximately 40 kilometers east of Palma, one of the Germans attempted to bribe the taxi driver and police officers with money to dismiss the charges, as per media reports. He was temporarily apprehended for this bribery attempt, followed by his companions at a later time.
The supposedly misplaced phone was later discovered in a friend's pocket, according to "Mallorca Zeitung". According to the taxi driver's son, the suspects were released without posting bail or adhering to any conditions, as they posed no flight risk, considering their status as police officers.
"I no longer wish to see them on the beach"
The ripple effects of such incidents on the perception of not only Germans but also foreign tourists across Spain, including Mallorca, were succinctly summarized by the taxi driver: "I've spent 40 years transporting Germans around Mallorca without any issues, not even during late-night shifts at Playa de Palma. People often asked if I had an opinion about Germans, and I always showered them with praises. Now, I don't even want to see them on the beach."
Despite the suspects being released without any bail or conditions, the Mallorcan police are continuing their investigation into the assault on taxi driver José María P., which took place at Ballermann. The incidents involving Germany nationals and the police assault on the taxi driver have caused tension and concern among local authorities, who are working to improve safety and address any negative perceptions towards foreign tourists.
