Haitam case in Torremolinos reopens after family appeal succeeds in Malaga court

Shrine left by mourners of Haitam in Torremolinos.

Shrine left by mourners of Haitam in Torremolinos. Credit: Simon Firth

Prosecutors have managed to get a new chance to examine evidence in the death of Haitam, who lost his life inside an Internet cafe in Torremolinos on December 7. Six police officers used tasers while trying to restrain him during an incident that began with an alleged confrontation with the business owner.

Defence team challenges original postmortem findings on police actions

Lawyers for the family argue that improper deployment of the taser contributed directly to the fatality. Earlier this year the investigating judge closed the file in May, citing the official postmortem that attributed the death to agitated delirium. This conclusion initially ruled out the taser as a factor.

Malaga court orders further forensic review of arrest footage

The Malaga regional court has now overturned the dismissal and instructed the original court to carry out additional enquiries. Judges want the forensic expert at the Institute of Legal Medicine to receive police bodycam and CCTV images plus expert reports submitted by the private prosecution. A supplementary opinion must assess whether police conduct played any role in the fatal outcome.

Original postmortem drew on multiple specialist institutes

Pathologists from the Malaga Institute of Legal Medicine worked with experts from the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences in Seville. Their report, sent to Torremolinos Court of Instruction number 1, pointed solely to the medical condition.

Previous EWN coverage tracked developments since the December tragedy

Readers can revisit earlier reports on this case through previous Euro Weekly News articles detailing the initial incident, the family’s campaign for answers, and the May decision to archive proceedings.

Tragedy in Torremolinos: 35-year-old man tasered by police dies of cardiac arrest

Next steps focus on motivated rulings from the investigating judge

The upper court’s ruling requires the instructor to respond specifically to requests from the private prosecution. This development brings cautious optimism for Haitam’s relatives, who continue to seek clarity over the sequence of events inside the Torremolinos premises.

Community watches closely as enquiries resume

Local interest is still piqued in this high-profile matter that raises questions about restraint techniques during mental health crises. Authorities must now balance the need for thorough investigation with established forensic conclusions. Further hearings and expert testimonies are expected in the coming months as the case goes through the judicial system in Malaga province.

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Written by

Adam Woodward

Adam is a writer who has lived in Spain for over 25 years. With a background in English teaching and a passion for music, food, and the arts, he brings a rich personal perspective to his work at Euro Weekly News. As a father of three with deep roots in Spanish life, Adam writes engaging stories that explore culture, lifestyle, and the everyday experiences that shape communities across Spain.

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