Thousands protest in Spanish capital over economic crisis
Thousands of Spaniards have defied a ban on demonstrations and mounted a protest camp in the heart of the Spanish capital to express anger at political parties and the country’s handling of the economic crisis.
The crowds packed Madrid’s Puerta del Sol square and pledged to stay there until after municipal and regional elections this weekend.
The Madrid electoral board banned the demonstration because it could influence the elections Sunday.
About 500 riot police stood guard but did not intervene.
Similar demonstrations have been held in other Spanish cities.
The protests are a spillover from countrywide demonstrations last Sunday and have triggered a lively debate throughout the country.
