Spanish police brutally beat Russian yachtsmen

Police in Palma de Mallorca thrashed three Russian yachtsmen who came to the island to train and participate in the Copa Del Rey sailing regatta, according to the ITAR-TASS news agency.

The news has been confirmed by the managing director of the Russian Yachting Sport Federation Oskar Konyukhov.

All three sportsmen: Denis Rozhkov, Nikita Khrekov and Roman Konstantinov are members of the RUS7 yacht crew.

On the evening of July 28 the men were returning to their hotel when they were reportedly surrounded by eight policemen armed with batons who began to beat them without explaining their actions. According to Nikita Khrekov, policemen were clubbing the Russians in the heads and legs.

The men were then handcuffed and brought to the local police station – only to be locked up for the next 24 hours.

Next day, absurd charges of “attacking and beating eight policemen” were brought against them.

Oskar Konyukhov says the Russian yachtsmen sustained serious injuries that were confirmed by other doctors.

The Russian Yachting Sport Federation has already spoken with regatta organizers to lend their assistance in having the charges against the Russians dismissed.

The Copa Del Rey sailing regatta takes place from July 29 till August 6 in the bay of Palma.