Rallies Staged in Over 30 Spanish Cities Against Tough New Anti-protest Law

By /

Rallies Staged in Over 30 Spanish Cities Against Tough New Anti-protest Law

By RT

Rallies Staged in Over 30 Spanish Cities Against Tough New Anti-protest Law
Image credit: Fotomovimiento ‏@Fotomovimiento on Twitter

More than 30 cities in Spain have expressed their anger over the so-called ‘gag’ legislation that criminalizes social protest and, demonstrators say, curbs the freedom of expression.

The slogan of the movement is “Gag Law, why do they want to shut us up?” and unites several groups of citizens spearheaded by the “We Are Not Criminals” civil platform.

The demonstrators also believe that the legislation would allow the deportation of immigrants. “No Human is Illegal,” was another of the slogans of the demonstrations.

In Madrid, police have cracked down on the protest after checking the participants’ IDs. Security has been stepped up in the areas where the rally took place.

The Barcelona rally saw around 12,000 people participating, according to estimates.

On Thursday, the Cortes, the lower house of the Spanish parliament, approved the law, dubbed the “Ley Mordaza” or “Gag Law” by its critics. The ruling conservative People’s Party dominated the vote, despite all the opposition forces voting against the legislation.

The new law stipulates that organizers of unsanctioned rallies will receive a fine of up to €600,000 ($745,000). Citizens who refuse to obey the police or try to prevent evictions, are set to get a €30,000 fine.

Read more


“https://twitter.com/Mostoles15M/status/546246185099743232

Scroll to Top