Spain’s Gag Law Now In Effect

Spain’s much criticized new “gag” law (ley mordaza) is now in effect, and its provisions could have a chilling effect on protest against government actions generally. Anyone convicted of illegally assembling, for example, could be faced with a 600,000 Euro fine. The law also prohibits individuals from filming police as they enforce laws. The law is intended to protect national security and public safety.

Ramon Tremosa, MEP from Balcells, has filed the following questions with the European Parliament, asking for a written answer on the following issues:

Taking account of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, and in particular Articles 11 and 12 thereof, Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), and the position taken by the Commission on Hungary and Prime Minister Orban:

1.

Will the Commission adopt the same position and apply democratic principles in the same way?

2.

How does the Commission ensure respect for the general principles and the fundamental values enshrined in Article 2 TEU in all Member States?

More here from the Globe and Mail, here from the New York Times, here from Time magazine.  More here from El Pais (in Spanish).