Spain: Journalist Arrested and Demonstrations Restricted
The Spanish 15 m movement that took thousands to the streets to demand a more democratic system has reached a new stage. The authorities decided on August 2 not to allow demonstrations any more and they have since tried to prevent demonstrators from gathering, both through blocking their access to public spaces and through violent police action.
On August 4, a gathering was organized at Madrid's main square Puerta del Sol, the epicenter of the protests, but access to the square has been restricted since August 2. The underground and the commuter train, which normally stop at Puerta del Sol, were ordered not to stop there that day and heavy police presence was displayed to ensure that the 15 m movement would not gather there. Twitter was suddenly flooded with reactions like this:
Spanish TV says “demonstrators are trying to reach Sol, which is defended by the Police.” “Defended” from what?
The tension increased during that day and the following day, when demonstrators gathered at Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid. The police presence was heavy, and it ended with policemen charging against demonstrators. This video, which has been widely shared online, shows journalist Gorka Ramos (who works for Spanish news-site La Información) being addressed by the police while he was tweeting the events, and beaten right after (min 8). According to the Police, Ramos was arrested for insulting and spitting on the police agents.
Reactions to Ramos's detention have ignited through social media, especially Twitter, where journalist arrested became a trending topic.
While the detention was not covered by most Spanish media, it received coverage from international media like The Guardian, CBS, Forbes and Associated Press.
Renowned blogger La Pulga y la Locomotora shared an open letter on August 5 asking the Spain Government for the reasons behind this unprecedented step in order to stop mobilizations:
I suppose you are aware that fundamental rights are being violated, including the right to free circulation, reunion and freedom of speech. Have you considered the legal aspects?
The letter also mentions what many citizens consider to be the real reason for the movement restrictions and police presence:
It seems more related to the upcoming visit of the Pope (who will be joining members of the Catholic Youth in Madrid) and I'd like you to confirm this, although I know that a lay state would never publicly admit to be acting under petition of the Catholic Church.
Some users have expressed concern about what they consider an attempt to use the current events to divide citizens.
The Government delegation (formed by the ruling Spanish Socialist Worker's Party known as the PSOE in Spanish) confirmed recently that they were being pressured by Madrid's City Council (controlled by right-wing People Party) into stopping protesters from occupying public spaces during the Pope's visit. On August 5, the authorities seemed to have changed their mind. The Police withdrew from Sol and access restrictions were removed. With demonstrators more indignant now than ever, the story will very likely be continued.
Source: Global Voices
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