The facts denounced concern the unjustified detention, in April 1996, of Mr. Acosta Martínez for being a foreigner individual of African descent. Mr. Acosta died as a result of the blows inflicted on him by the police.

In its judgement, the IA Court situated the facts of the case in a context of racial discrimination and police violence, based on arising from arbitrary detentions. Specifically, it analyzed police ordinances in effect at the time of the facts, as well as the practices of police forces towards persons of African descent. It determined that Mr. Acosta Martinez’s detention was arbitrary.