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Pablo Hasel: Second night of violent protests in Spain after rapper's arrest

Demonstrators have been seen throwing objects at police, setting bins on fire, and using overturned motorbikes to block streets.

Wednesday 17 February 2021 23:29, UK

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The protesters are furious about the arrest of a rapper for allegedly glorifying terrorism and insulting royalty.
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Spanish police have fired rubber bullets during a second night of violent protests over the arrest of a famous rapper who insulted the monarchy.

Demonstrators have been seen throwing objects at police, setting bins on fire, and using overturned motorbikes to block streets in Madrid, Barcelona and other cities.

Many shop windows have been smashed in the chaos.

Pablo Hasel was arrested after a 24-hour standoff with police
Image: Pablo Hasel was arrested after a 24-hour standoff with police

The protests broke out on Tuesday after the rapper Pablo Hasel was arrested by anti-riot police following a 24-hour stand-off.

Hasel had barricaded himself in a university with dozens of supporters to avoid prison over what he calls an issue of free speech.

Police in riot gear have confronted demonstrators in Girona
Image: Police in riot gear have confronted demonstrators in Girona

He was taken to prison to serve a nine-month sentence for insulting the monarchy and glorifying terrorism in a song about former King Juan Carlos I and in 64 tweets several years ago.

Hasel's legal situation has drawn considerable public attention, with performers, celebrities and politicians demanding a change in the law he was convicted of violating.

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Spain's left-wing coalition government said last week that it planned to change the country's criminal code to eliminate prison terms for offences involving freedom of expression.

Amnesty International said the case was the latest in a string of artists and social media personalities being put on trial for violating Spain's 2015 Public Security Law, which was enacted by a previous conservative-led government.

Protesters have set bins on fire across the country
Image: Protesters have set bins on fire across the country
Spain police have clashed with protesters in Barcelona
Image: Spanish police have clashed with protesters in Barcelona

Initial reports said 30 people were arrested in protests on Wednesday and around 20 people were injured.

Eighteen people were arrested on Tuesday after violence first broke out, principally in Barcelona and other parts of northeastern Catalonia.

Hasel was barricaded in the university building with 50 of his supporters
Image: Hasel was barricaded in the university building with 50 of his supporters. Pic: Associated Press

One woman lost an eye after reportedly being hit by a police rubber bullet on Tuesday in Barcelona, officials said.

Police said around 55 people, both officers and protesters, were treated for their injuries.

Spanish National Television cited Barcelona authorities as estimating the damage at €70,000 (£60,800).

Hasel has faced previous charges for assault, praising armed extremist groups, breaking into private premises and insulting the monarchy.