GENEVA - A group of United Nations human rights experts urged Spain today to reject two projects of legal reform that “threaten to violate individuals’ fundamental rights and freedoms.” The experts’ call comes after the Congress fast-tracked the approval of a proposal to reform of the Penal Code, regarding crimes of terrorism. “We trust that Spain will take all necessary steps to guarantee the exercise of fundamental rights and public freedoms in its national legislation, in accordance with international standards,” the experts said in reference to this proposal as well as to two additional projects of reform currently being discussed in the Senate: the Reform of the Penal Code, regarding the crimes of public disorder, and the Reform of the Basic Law on the Protection of Public Security. “The rights to peaceful protest and to collectively express an opinion are fundamental to the existence of a free and democratic society,” the Special Rapporteurs said. “We are concerned that the reform proposals could be a response by the Government and the legislature to numerous demonstrations that have been carried out in Spain in recent years.” Penal Code reform project The independent experts stated that “the text of the reform project includes broad or ambiguous definitions that pave the... Continue reading →
