Spain’s ‘gag’ law comes into force

Spain's highly controversial anti-protest law came into effect in July 2015, amid criticism that it hands the government the 'judge and jury' right to silence its critics.

The new rules were seen by some as a threat to human rights such as freedom of assembly and expression.

The reform came following years of social unrest in Spain aggravated by the economic crisis, widespread political corruption and the failure to renew Spanish politics. This led to a spike in demonstrations, protests, sit-ins, blocking of home evictions and gatherings in front of politicians' homes.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: If the EU is serious about freedom of expression it should take aim at Spain’s controversial ‘gag law’ http://www.europeansources.info/record/if-the-eu-is-serious-about-freedom-of-expression-it-should-take-aim-at-spains-controversial-gag-law/

Deutsche Welle, 17.04.15: Protesters vow to fight Spain's controversial 'gag laws' http://dw.com/p/1FAEo

El País, 01.07.15: Five things Spain’s ‘gag law’ will stop you doing from today http://elpais.com/elpais/2015/06/30/inenglish/1435681072_581012.html

The Local.es, 01.07.15: Spain's 'gag law' brought into force amid protests http://www.thelocal.es/20150701/gag-law-brought-into-force-amid-protests

The Local.es, 06.07.15: Majority of Spaniards oppose new "gag law" http://www.thelocal.es/20150706/majority-of-spaniards-oppose-new-gag-law

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