Spanish Anti-Demonstration Law Enters Into Force Despite Massive Protests

Spain's controversial anti-demonstration law entered into force in spite of massive protests among citizens and politicians. According to the new legislation, authorities are allowed to fine people with up to 600,000 euros for participating in or organizing protests, DWN wrote.

The new controversial anti-protest law allows the police to financially punish citizens without any judicial decision. The law caused massive protests across the country as it basically prohibits Spanish citizens from exercising their fundamental rights, such as the freedom of expression and assembly.

Not only participation, but also promotion of any demonstration in Twitter or Facebook can be punished as well.

The restrictions include demonstrations near the government building, which can carry fines of up to 600,000 euros. Taking pictures of police officers is now forbidden as well. The police are able to punish citizens with fines of up to 600 euros right on the spot if they feel "disrespected". According to the newspaper, they also can disperse any peaceful assembly if a "competent authority" says so.

According to a survey, only 7 percent of the population supports the introduction of the new law. Spanish citizens have protested against the legislation for months. They even organized a hologram demonstration which included a virtual mass of protesters projected on the street in front of the Parliament.

All opposition parties said they will cancel the law introduced by the current government of Mariano Rajoy if they achieve a majority in the Spanish elections this year.

"Once we are in the government we will cancel it," the leader of the Social Democrats Pedro Sánchez said, cited by DWN.