Spanish police break up Madrid protest

Spanish police break up Madrid protest

2011-06-11 22:40:30 GMT+7 (ICT)

MADRID (BNO NEWS) -- Spanish police on Saturday forcefully dispersed protesters rallying near Madrid city hall as the Mayor of Madrid Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón took office, El País newspaper reported.

About a thousand people gathered in Madrid, after the 15-M protest movement called for the rally. Although police closed all entrances to the square of the town from early morning to prevent any clashes, the demonstrators managed to enter the square. At least six people received minor injuries after riot police tried to evict them.

Protesters also gathered in other cities around the country as politicians began new terms after the municipal elections on May 22. In Salamanca, at least five people were injured last night after scuffles broke out between protesters and police.

The 15-M protest movement was launched last month before the elections to demand a reform of Spain's democratic system.

At least 18 people on Thursday were injured when police clashed with protesters in Valencia as new legislators, many of whom are facing corruption charges, were due to take office.

Last month, at least 100 people were injured after police tried to disperse protesters in Barcelona to end two weeks of demonstrations against high unemployment and the Spanish government's austerity measures. According to police, they were trying to dismantle the camp to allow cleaners to enter the square. Protesters, however, refused to move, claiming that they were being evicted.

Tens of thousands of people began protesting in the main Spanish cities to demand a reform of Spain's democratic system ahead of the local and regional elections that took place on May 22.

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