Introduction
Spain’s floods kill over 200 people
On 29th October 2024, Spain experienced its worst floods in three decades, caused by torrential rain and a cold drop weather phenomenon. The disaster led to widespread destruction, including damaged infrastructure and submerged homes, especially in Valencia, where over 200 lives were lost. Regional authorities have faced significant criticism for their slow response, with many blaming delayed flood warnings for the high death toll.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez ordered Spain’s largest peacetime deployment of 10,000 troops and police to assist with the floods, describing it as Spain’s worst natural disaster in recent history and acknowledging delays in aid reaching isolated areas.
Supreme Court of Castilla y León approves LGBTQI+ flags on public buildings
On 2nd December 2024, the Supreme Court of the autonomous community Castilla y León gave the green light for LGBTQI+ flags to be legally displayed on public buildings, affirming that they promote constitutional values of equality and diversity. This decision stemmed from cases involving the Valladolid Provincial Council and Zaragoza City Council, where earlier rulings had banned the flag, deeming it ideological and against institutional neutrality. Christian Lawyers, a powerful right-wing organisation, and the far-right Vox party challenged these displays, citing the 1981 flag law, which mandates political impartiality in public institutions.
Freedom of expression
Media freedom groups demand full repeal of Spain’s Gag Law
On 20th August 2024, media freedom organisations led by the Media Freedom Rapid Response mechanism urged Spain’s government to fully revoke the “Gag Law” (Ley Mordaza) as part of its democratic regeneration reforms.
As reported earlier by the CIVICUS Monitor, the law, enacted in 2015 under the People’s Party, grants extensive powers to law enforcement and imposes heavy fines for actions such as resisting or disrespecting authorities, refusing to identify oneself to the authorities, and the unauthorised dissemination of images of police officers carrying out their duties. The law has been heavily criticised by human rights groups, who argue that its vague wording restricts journalists, especially when reporting on protests. After several failed attempts at reform, the Spanish Congress voted on 29th October 2024 to consider amendments to the law in a plenary session.
Supported by PSOE, Sumar, EH Bildu and PNV, the proposed reforms include reducing penalties for insults toward police and gradually phasing out the use of rubber bullets.
In response to the proposed reforms, national police and civil guard officers gathered outside the Spanish Congress. Representing over 30 unions and associations, they expressed concern that the reforms would undermine their authority and safety. They demanded that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez meet with them to discuss the law. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo from the People’s Party expressed support for the officers, particularly with regard to their opposition to restrictions on riot control measures such as rubber bullets.
Pro-Palestinian Activists Accused of Glorifying Terrorism
The right-wing party VOX has filed criminal charges against two pro-Palestinian activists, Jaldía Abubakra and Miriam Ojeda, accusing them of “glorifying terrorism”. Following VOX’s complaint, the two women were brought before the National Court in Spain on 29th October 2024. While the charges against Ojeda were dismissed due to insufficient evidence, the case against Abubakra continues.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Solidarity Network Samidoun, with which both activists are affiliated, has condemned the criminal case as an attack on freedom of expression and international solidarity, expressing a view that these charges are part of a broader strategy intended to “demobilise activism and solidarity with the Palestinian people through tools such as media persecution, social targeting, economic strangulation and the opening of criminal proceedings that seek to establish a culture of fear and censorship.”
Judge proposes ending social media anonymity in hate speech cases
On 21st August 2024, Spanish judge Miguel Ángel Aguilar said in a television interview that social media platforms should disclose users’ identities upon judicial request. This would enable digital restraining orders, allowing authorities to track and take action against individuals spreading harmful content. Aguilar, who handles hate crimes and discrimination cases, proposed amending the Penal Code to end social media anonymity in hate cases as part of efforts to combat online disinformation and hate speech.
His proposal follows a recent incident where false online claims linked the killing of an 11-year-old boy to immigration. Aguilar also suggested banning individuals convicted of online crimes from social media to prevent repeat offences. He argues that identifying those spreading hate could reduce the risk of violence but acknowledges concerns about balancing this measure with freedom of speech.
RTVE’s News Council protests against decree allowing political influence in board appointments
In November 2024, the News Council of RTVE, Spain’s largest state-owned media company, organised protests against a government decree introducing changes to the selection process for the RTVE Board of Directors. The Council argues that reducing the majority required to appoint board members increases the risk of political influence.
The decree also removed the requirement for a public competition, a change that the News Council and Reporters Without Borders Spain warn could undermine RTVE’s journalistic independence.
On 12th November 2024, Spain’s Congress of Deputies failed to pass an initial vote on the appointments due to insufficient support – in order to pass, the support of two thirds of MPs was necessary. However, a follow-up vote requiring only an absolute majority was scheduled. On 14th November 2024, the government appointed 11 new board members by absolute majority, without a public competition.
Government expands right to rectification
On 17th December, the government approved a bill which will strengthen the right to rectification and extend it to social media and digital platforms. Citizens will be able to request corrections from social media users with more than 100,000 followers on a single platform or 200,000 on multiple platforms. The bill will replace legislation dating back to 1984 and aims to combat the spread of disinformation on the internet. Minister Félix Bolaños emphasised that the bill is aimed at improving public debate and guaranteeing the right to rectification for those affected by false or inaccurate information.
Freedom of association
PP stops funding for immigration NGOs in Burgos
On 7th November, the People’s Party agreed to the far-right VOX party’s request in Burgos City Council to stop financial support for NGOs that support the integration of immigrants in Burgos, including Burgos Acoge, ACCEM and Atalya Intercultural, redirecting 119,000 euros previously allocated to these NGOs. The only aid for immigrants that will be maintained is an agreement with Cáritas totalling 19,000 euros.
A day after thousands protested in the Plaza Mayor in Burgos on 13th November 2024, the mayor of Burgos, Cristina Atalya from the People's Party, reversed her decision to cut financial support for the three non-governmental organisations that support migrants. Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Fernando Martínez-Acitores of the far-right VOX party stated that “it would be inconceivable for the Burgos City Council to subsidise illegal immigration.” The cuts were initially described as part of the budget negotiations with coalition partner VOX. Cáritas, which had voluntarily withdrawn from the contract with the City Council in response to the initial decision to exclude the other NGOs, emphasised the need to include all organisations in the budget.
On 19th November VOX voted against the PP’s proposed municipal budget in Burgos due to the inclusion of the 119,000 euros in funding for the NGOs working with refugees and migrants. In addition, far-right activists vandalised the premises of the NGOs with racist graffiti. The final approval of the budget was scheduled for 22nd November 2024.
Spanish government allocates 8.4 million to NGO amid political controversy
The Spanish government has allocated 8.4 million euros to the Fundación Cepaim Acción Integral con Migrantes, which is chaired by IU (Izquierda Unida) candidate Juan Antonio Miralles Ortega, to manage irregular migration from November 2023. The NGO is one of 14 mandated by the government to provide accommodation, healthcare and support to migrants arriving in Spain, particularly from the Canary Islands. However, critics, including VOX, question whether these funds are linked to political ties, as the IU is part of the ruling coalition. The government defends the spending as necessary for social cohesion amid increasing migration.
Freedom of assembly
Valencia protests over flood response result in clashes with police
On 3rd November 2024, King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia were greeted by an angry crowd during their visit to the city of Paiporta, which had been most affected by the flooding. The demonstrators threw mud at the royal couple, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the head of the regional government of Valencia, Carlos Mazón, accusing them of negligence. Security was tightened as police and bodyguards attempted to shield the royals and contain the crowds. Despite efforts to engage with local residents, the King and Queen were forced to leave the event early. Police struggled to maintain order as tensions rose, and were later seen attempting to disperse the crowd.
Maribel Albalat, the mayor of Paiporta, expressed shock at the violent reactions but empathised with the public’s frustration. Valencian parliament member Juan Bordera criticised the royals’ visit as poorly timed.
On 9th November, massive protests took place in Valencia, in which around 130,000 people took part, demanding the resignation of the President of the Valencian Community Carlos Mazón and his government for their response to the DANA storm, which claimed more than 200 lives. The march, organised by over 60 social organisations and trade unions, went through the centre of Valencia, starting at the town hall and ending at the Palau de la Generalitat.
After the peaceful march clashes broke out between a small group of protestors and the police, leading to four arrests and thirty one police officers injured. The demonstration saw tensions escalate when demonstrators began throwing flares and mud near the Town Hall. Riot police intervened as violence continued, particularly near Plaza de la Virgen. Two of the arrested protestors were charged with public disorder, while the other two faced charges for assaulting law enforcement officers. Thirteen more participants were also subjected to identity checks.
The Valencian People’s Party, to which Mazón belongs, criticised the protests and described them as politically motivated in a statement published on its X account after the demonstrations. Juan Bravo, the PP’s deputy economy minister, expressed his support for Mazón and condemned the violence: "We must condemn the violence. Thirty-one police officers were injured and an attempt was made to set fire to the door of the town hall."
On 15th November 2024, Valencia's regional leader, Carlos Mazón, addressed the regional parliament and admitted to errors in response to the floods. Facing criticism for delays and prioritising other engagements during the crisis, Mazón apologised but refused to step down, promising to improve disaster response systems.
Dozens of demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building to demand his resignation and accused the authorities of mismanagement. A police helicopter hovered over the demonstrations to monitor the situation. The police held back the crowd and faced hostility.
Spain rejects Israel’s antisemitism claim after pro-Palestinian rallies
On 7th October 2024, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares rejected accusations of anti-Semitism from Israel following pro-Palestinian demonstrations throughout Spain to mark the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel and the beginning of Israel’s devastating bombing campaign in Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministry condemned rallies in Madrid organised by groups such as Masar Badil, which Israel claims is linked to Hamas, and stated that democratic societies should not allow terrorism. In his response, José Albares reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to tolerance and against anti-Semitism and emphasised Spain’s strict legal stance against hate speech.
Thousands march in Canary Islands against over-tourism and housing crisis
On 20th October 2024 around 30,000 people protested in holiday resorts in Spain’s Canary Islands against over-tourism, rallying under the slogan “The Canary Islands have a limit”. With 16 million visitors in 2023 contributing more than 20 billion euros, tourism is the primary economic driver in the region. However, locals argue that this growth has made housing unaffordable, with many properties being owned by second-home owners who don't live there permanently.
Despite an earlier demonstration in April calling for reforms (see previous CIVICUS Monitor update) the protesters claim that no legislative progress has been made. In a statement, one of the groups supporting the protests, Ecologistas en Acción, criticised it as “unacceptable” that, following the April demonstrations, public institutions have “stepped on the accelerator of destruction by approving new tourist projects that only widen the wound and worsen the unsustainable situation suffered by both the natural spaces of the islands and those who inhabit them.”
Clashes in Barcelona as protesters rally against housing costs
On 25th September 2024, around 200 demonstrators, organised by the Barcelona Tenants' Association and others, gathered near “The District” property fair in Barcelona to protest against rising housing costs. The fair, which was attended by around 12,000 people, was sharply criticised by activists who accused it of promoting speculative practices that harm local residents.
Clashes erupted as police blocked protesters attempting to reach fair attendees, leading to injuries and escalating confrontations between protesters and police. Protesters, equipped with masks, raincoats and paint aimed to disrupt the event as they had the previous year. The police used force to push back the front row of demonstrators who tried to break through the cordon. One individual was injured and received assistance from paramedics on-site. Demonstrators moved to the Palau de la Generalitat offices afterwards, calling for housing rights and an end to evictions. The housing union said that at least 10 people were injured “due to the disproportionate use of police violence.”
Clashes in Santiago de Compostela during Pro-Palestine protest
On 6th October 2024, a solidarity protest for Palestine in Santiago de Compostela escalated following an intervention by riot police which came after demonstrators entered several fast food outlets to denounce the company's links with the Israeli army. According to The Galician Union of Teachers (STEG), which is providing legal aid to the arrested protesters, a total of nine arrests were made throughout the day. The protesters were subsequently charged with criminal offences for which they face several years in prison, including public disorder and assaulting a police officer.
The first police operation took place at around 1pm in Rua da Senra, when riot police arrested five demonstrators after they were evicted from the fast food restaurant. Videos of the incident show police employing excessive force against several demonstrators who do not seem to be engaged in any disruptive behaviour, including kneeling on the neck of one young demonstrator.
The second police intervention took place as protestors demanded the others’ release in front of the police station 200 metres away from the location of the first incident, resulting in four more arrests. According to a video seen by Público, whose source did not want it made public, the police engaged in violence “without any apparent provocation” when making these arrests.
The arrested protesters, six boys and three girls, all around 20 years old and with no criminal record, spent up to nine hours in custody and are charged with disrupting public order and assaulting a police officer. STEG criticised the harsh police action and pointed out that many of those arrested were young people in need of medical treatment. The demonstrators allege police engaged in violence unprovoked and did not provide them with adequate medical care. According to media reports, several demonstrators were treated for bruises, open wounds and other injuries. However, according to the detained protesters and their lawyers, in some cases they were only given partial examinations, while in handcuffs and in the presence of the police, which represents a violation of international standards on the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment.
The local government of Santiago de Compostela’s spokesperson Miriam Louzao described the police response as “somewhat excessive”, and emphasised that the protest in question was an important demonstration for peace. However, the local branch of the People’s Party criticised these remarks, with the local leader Borja Verea accusing the government of siding with the protesters instead of with the affected business. The spokesman for the unified police union, Roberto González condemned the violence, stating the protestors were “urban terrorists camouflaged within a legitimate protest.”
Violent protests against the amnesty law in front of the PSOE headquarters in Madrid
On 9th November, around 2,000 people protested outside the headquarters of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) in Madrid, marching from Plaza de Espanã to Calle Ferraz to protest against the government’s policy on the amnesty law for Catalan separatists, following similar demonstrations there a year before (see previous CIVICUS Monitor update). The demonstration featured nationalist symbols, including flags with historical emblems and chants advocating for a Christian Spain and against immigration. Tensions rose when a group of protesters attempted to break through police barriers, leading police to intervene with rubber bullets after demonstrators burnt trash cans and threw objects. The PSOE condemned the protests and pointed out the far-right chants. On its X account, it said: “They are not attacking the PSOE, they are attacking our democracy.”