Spain’s New Anti-Protest ‘Gag Law.’

Spain has just introduced a ‘gag law’ to prohibit protestors from taking to the streets. Arguing that the new laws surrounding the rights to protest have been introduced under the guise of public security, opponents are arguing that it will restrict civil liberties.

The new Citizens Security Law will provide government authorities sweeping powers over the Spanish population. Essentially, any unauthorized protests will incur a fine of up to 600,000 euros if deemed to be outside an essential public building such as a university or hospital. Also employed is an additional 600 euro fine to any individual who shows a lack of respect to any uniformed authorities during a protest, and photographing or filming a police officer can incur up to a 30,000 euro fine. It also incurs harsh penalties for using specific hashtags on Twitter. If in the event the person fined is unable to pay the penalty, seizure of assets, including your house, will occur without a day in court unless you want to contest the seizure. [1]

The conflicting introduction of these new laws has not only created waves in the international community but it is also reminiscent of Franco’s regime that lasted until his death in 1975 and a law he introduced called the Law of Public Order. Franco’s dictatorial regime started with a coup that saw the rise of the Spanish Civil War. Coming from a military background, it was Franco who rose quickly to power, gaining support in the early years from Hitler and Mussolini. It is estimated that he could have been responsible for up to 400,000 deaths over his reign until his death, when Juan Carlos I succeeded him and transitioned Spain into a democracy. 

The growing number of strikes and demonstrations in recent times against the austerity programs, massive recession and high unemployment rates have launched a new political party that seemingly overnight has grown from a fringe party to a potential contender for mass representation of the people. It also appears to be the main instigator to the new laws that Amnesty International, police unions, amongst others, have rejected, in order to quash a political party that could change the face of Spain and represent the underdog of Spain. [2]

In the words of Nurra (2014), if you live in Spain and the only thing you attend is a bull fight, you have nothing to worry about.

[1] Nurra, M. (2014, 20 December) Spain will soon approve the most repressive anti-protest law in Europe http://www.valigiablu.it/anti-protest-law-spain/ (Retrieved 2014, 22 December)

[2] Reguly, E. (2014, 5 November) From fringe to spotlight: European austerity breeds radical politics http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/international-business/out-of-the-fringe-and-into-the-spotlight-european-austerity-breeds-radical-politics/article21462957/ (Retrieved 2014, 22 December)