MADRID, April 23 (UPI) -- A proposed change in Spanish law could make human chains, blocking streets or hindering public services during protests illegal, officials say.
Under the proposed legislation, group leaders could face criminal trials if members of their demonstration cause disruption, Think Spain reported Monday.
Demonstrating via the Internet, preventing police from doing their job, vandalism and protesting without proper permitting would violate the reform, proposed by Minister for Public Safety Ignacio Ulloa.
Organizations would be held liable for members' actions, unless a group holding a demonstration is a public body or union, in which case liability falls on the person as an individual.
Groups across Spain have spoken out against the proposed reform, calling it an attempt at censorship and an attack on their freedom of speech.
