The request was formalized during the hearing held at Instruction Court 2 of Lleida, where the events were classified as a minor offense of coercion. The requested compensation totals 1,738 euros for one officer and 9,166 euros for the other, covering sick leave days due to the "psychological and emotional trauma" they suffered.
The officers testified that they felt "threatened and coerced" by the attitude of the then deputy mayor, as he criticized them for not arresting a neighbor with whom he had a conflict. According to their testimony, Ezquerra told them that their professional career "was over in Alcarràs".
“"I saw offensive and unprofessional attitudes on the part of my deputy mayor."
The tension continued at the police station, where the female officer suffered an anxiety attack. She testified that Ezquerra accused her of using "women's weapons" like crying to justify herself. Following the events, both officers took sick leave and had to leave the police force in the town.
For his part, Manel Ezquerra denied the coercion and defended that his character is not one to insult anyone. However, he did admit to criticizing the officers for unprofessional conduct, but without losing his temper, despite having a "strong and hoarse voice".
