Spanish parliament approves controversial security laws

‘The Spanish lower house of parliament has approved new controversial security laws which are likely to restrict the right to protest and freedom of the press.

The country’s ruling conservative Popular Party got the bills, which will come into force on July 1, 2015, passed with absolute majority in the assembly on Thursday.

One law will change Spain’s criminal code by reviving the possibility of life imprisonment for heinous crimes, such as acts of terrorism, and murder of a child or handicapped person.

According to the second law, dubbed the Citizens’ Security Law by the government, up to 600,000 euros (USD 655,000) in cash fine may be handed down to those charged with public order offenses, even without standing a trial.’

Read more: Spanish parliament approves controversial security laws