Spanish protest blocked by police in Madrid

MADRID (BNO NEWS) — Spanish police on Thursday prevented hundreds of protesters from entering Madrid’s central Puerta del Sol square for the second consecutive day, El País newspaper reported.

At least 300 protesters from the 15-M movement, which has been demanding a reform of Spain’s democratic system for months, tried to enter the square for the third time within two days. A strong police presence was seen around the square since Wednesday when about 1,500 protesters tried to enter the square at night, after almost 200 protesters failed to break through police barriers earlier in the day.

Police advised shop owners in the area to close their businesses, while tourists were also prevented from accessing the square and nearby areas. The protest hampered traffic in the area, according to El País.

Last Tuesday, anti-riot police expelled a few dozen protesters who were camping at the square since mid-May to protest against high unemployment and the Spanish government’s austerity measures. The rest of the protesters had ended their sit-in in mid-June.

The 15-M protest movement was launched last May before local elections to protest against unemployment and corruption, and demand a reform of Spain’s democratic system. Dozens of protesters were injured after police tried to disperse rallies held across the country, which were attended by tens of thousands.

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Source: WireUpdate.
Link: http://wireupdate.com/wires/19272/spanish-protest-blocked-by-police-in-madrid/.