A number of protests took place in Spain as a result of a new security law, that has been branded as ‘censorship’ by demonstrators.

The Public Security Law, which was approved by parliament, has been heavily criticised by opposition parties and human rights groups as an attempt by the conservative government to silence protests over its handling of Spain’s financial crisis.

The new law allows fines of up to €30,000 for disseminating photographs of police officers that are deemed to endanger them or their operations.

Individuals participating in demonstrations outside parliament buildings or key installations would be fined up to 600,000 euros ($745,000), if they are considered to breach the peace.

Those merely accused of ‘insulting’ police officers could be fined up 600 euros ($745). Burning a national flag could see penalties of up to 30,000 euros levied.

During the demonstrations, police in Madrid also forced media photographers to produce identity papers.

Despite the reports appearing in much of the mainstream papers, the protests ended peacefully.

The protests were also attended by groups opposed to forced evictions because the bill would levy fines of 30,000 euros to those attempting to prevent home repossessions.

Others were opposed to an element of the legislation that would entitle police in Spain’s North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla to summarily expel migrants caught trying to enter Europe by storming border fences.

If the law proves to be successful, then it is likely to be adopted by other countries across Europe.

Akashic Times is the UK’s only online, fully independent not-for-profit newspaper that brings you real news from across the globe.

If you want to keep ahead of what is really going on in the world, subscribe to our newspaper via the subscribe button and join our Facebook & Twitter pages. Subscription is completely free ofcourse