What began as a festive Christmas Eve at a well known electronic music venue on Paseo de Las Canteras in Gran Canaria turned uneasy for Eliezer Valido and his friends. They entered the Moma nightclub and were greeted by a security staff member who delivered a blunt reminder of the house policy, emphasizing that drug use would not be tolerated on the premises. The warning felt out of place to the group, given the celebratory mood in the air. They chose to stay, hoping the night would be filled with dancing and the sounds of the season’s music.
After ordering drinks and moving to the rhythm for a short while, Eliezer decided to use the restroom, and his two companions went with him. What happened next shifted the mood from carefree to tense, according to Eliezer’s account. The sequence of events hints at a sudden rise in tension around the restroom area, changing the pace of the night in an instant. While the specifics were not clear to bystanders, the impact was obvious to those directly involved.
Eliezer describes being the last person in line at the restroom when a doorman appeared upset and abruptly pushed the door. He insists he was not engaging in any improper behavior and tried to exit the area to prevent an escalation. The confrontation intensified as he attempted to disengage, and the guard pressed forward, drawing the attention of nearby guests. Eliezer recalls asking for a form or explanation, but the guard answered in a harsh manner that led to a rapid escalation.
Even after returning to the dance floor, the security staff member continued to pursue him, issuing threats and maintaining an intimidating posture. Eliezer says a request form was eventually shown, but instead of a routine administrative step, he was restrained, handcuffed, and forced to the ground in front of other patrons. He sought to protect himself and called for release, but the situation spiraled, and he was escorted out of the venue as concern grew among onlookers.
Outside, the confrontation did not end. Eliezer recounts a sequence of blows that left him with visibly injured lips and eyes, attributing the attack to a group of security personnel from the venue. There was a moment when the violence appeared aimed at him personally, and the actions of the group intensified the fear felt by witnesses. The night’s story shifted from a celebration to a scene of worry and alarm.
In the hours that followed, Eliezer sought medical care at a local health center, where medical staff examined his injuries and prepared a formal injury report. Having documented the harm, he proceeded to report the incident to the police, presenting the health record as part of the evidence. Since then, he has pursued formal accountability for the actions of the security staff involved, emphasizing the impact on his safety and his sense of security in public venues.
Advocates for civil rights and safety note that incidents of this kind raise questions about how security teams handle conflicts and how venues respond when complaints about brutality arise. While particulars of the case are still under review, Eliezer’s account highlights the need for clear procedures for reporting abuses and for venues to maintain a safe environment for all patrons, regardless of background or identity. The episode underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and prompt, fair responses when guests claim mistreatment in nightlife settings. Citations: local law enforcement reports and hospital documentation, as reported by trusted local outlets and civil rights organizations. A broader discussion is encouraged about the standard operating procedures used by nightlife venues and the protection of patrons in crowded, high-energy environments.