When police came they also hit me

ismael,

just 14 years old

emerged from behind

the breakwater

in the spanish port of ceuta

with blood running

from his nose

half a dozen fresh cuts on his arm

and a purple bruise swelling up on his elbow

and a purple bruise swelling up on his elbow



"they have just beaten me up

and taken all my money

when police came they also hit me"

"they have just beaten me up

and taken all my money

when police came they also hit me"



this time he has been lucky

last month he was dowsed

in lighter fuel

and set on fire

"i woke up with fire on my arms and face

i ran straight into the sea

the man who did it wanted me

to rob for him

but i said no"

to rob for him

but i said no"



"they have just beaten me up

and taken all my money

when police came they also hit me"

"they have just beaten me up

and taken all my money

when police came they also hit me"