Spanish ‘Gag Law’ Creates Dangerous Precedent - Rights Group

The implementation of Spain's Public Security Law, dubbed the "gag law" by its opponents, creates a dangerous precedent, undermining democratic freedoms in the country, spokeswoman for the No Somos Delito (We Are Not a Crime) civil group told Sputnik.

MADRID (Sputnik) — The new legislation places limits on where public assemblies can take place, permits authorities to perform immediate deportations without due legal process, and allows for the harsh punishment of those deemed to be resisting arrest.

The gag law, which came into force on July 1, among other provisions, prohibits Spaniards from making video recordings or photographing police and their activities if it endangers the officers' safety or the success of the operation they are executing.

Last week, a young man from Tenerife, who called local policemen a “pack of slackers” on Facebook, was fined 600 euro.

"It was a sarcastic comment, it has not humiliated or insulted anyone," Monica Hidalgo said.

According to the spokeswoman of the group, which comprises some 100 social movements, the fine "creates tremendous and horrible precedent and starts a chaotic spiral," because punishing somebody for criticizing authority will come down to how the law is interpreted.

Hidalgo warned that from now on any fierce criticism of repressive political measures, economic austerity policies or reports on alleged corruption by officials could be subject to a fine.