Thousands of protesters marched through Madrid to express their opposition to a proposed law that would set hefty fines for the very act of protesting.<br /><br /> The mooted legislation covers offences such as demonstrating outside parliament buildings or strategic installations.<br /><br /> The protests which were not isolated to the capital and came after parliament approved Public Security Law last month.<br /><br /> The law is expected to become official in February if passed by the government-controlled Senate.<br /><br /> Protesters with tape over their mouths and carrying banners calling the measures a “gagging law” gathered Sunday near Spain’s parliament under heavy police surveillance.<br /><br /> The bill is heavily criticised by opposition parties and human rights groups as an attempt by the government to muzzle protests over its handling of Spain’s financial crisis.<br /><br /> The law would allow fines of up to 600,000 euros for individuals if they are deemed to have breached the peace.
