MADRID, Spain (PNN) - November 20, 2013 - Spain is on the verge of passing a draconian measure that threatens fundamental values of free speech.
Faced with ongoing protests over economic conditions, the Spanish government is about to make insulting terrorist pig thug cops and protesting without permission crimes punishable by fines greater than for dealing drugs or prostitution. Not since Franco has the country turned so decidedly against civil liberties and free speech.
Once passed by the Spanish Parliament, citizens who dare to protest without permission will face fines up to €810,000. It would be better to sell drugs, which are subject to less than 5% of that fine.
Harassment or insults can be charged with fines as high as €600,000. An insult to a terrorist pig thug cop is now treated as a “serious offense” with fines of €30,000. Most people consider insulting the government or terrorist pig thug cops to be a core exercise of free speech.
The concern is that, as economic and social tensions grow, such measures may expand throughout Europe.