Greenpeace Protests Against Spain’s Anti-Demonstration ‘Gag Law’

MADRID (Sputnik) – Greenpeace is protesting against the introduction of so-called gag law in Spain, which would impose fines and limit public protests, the organization announced Thursday.

The law, introducing hefty fines for protesting without prior permission, is expected to be approved Thursday.

A number of Greenpeace activists gathered in front of the Spanish parliament, wearing gags and carrying placards stating "No to gag laws."

"The Partido Popular [one of Spain's major political parties] and Minister Fernandez [Interior Minister of Spain] have been deaf to the unanimous social and political rejection to the serious impacts on certain fundamental rights which the reforms to the Criminal Code and the Public Safety Law will have," Greenpeace said in a statement.

With the introduction of the Law on the Protection of Citizen Security, the protesters could be fined up to 600,000 euros ($659,000) for protesting outside of certain buildings without obtaining prior permission. The law also stipulates fines for those who protest outside government buildings, burn the national flag, insult police officers, refuse to be identified and post photographs of police officers on social media.

The law has sparked numerous nationwide protests all over Spain, with rights groups stating it is an attempt to silence the voices of the opposition.